More than 20 years of dependable performance

Van Gent nests, the Prinzen PSPC 5 and the Agro Supply Clima Unit demonstrate at Jos van Uden’s farm what long-term reliability means

New systems always look smart, however the real test only begins once they have been used, cleaned and maintained for years. At Jos van Uden’s farm, the Van Gent nests, Prinzen packer and Clima Unit are not demonstration models, but have been part of day-to-day operations for years.

For Jos, that is ultimately the best yardstick: not whether something is the latest model, but whether it works well, is accessible for maintenance and lasts a long time. This down-to-earth approach suits the working farm in Geffen, where around 27,000 breeder stock birds are looked after daily, spread across four barns. The farm started as a partnership in 1986 and today, systems are assessed on how well they continue to deliver year after year.

During the tour, Jos points out the Van Gent nests. They have been in use for over twenty years. For him, that in itself is nothing out of the ordinary. The system simply still does what it was originally purchased for.

“It’s a very simple and easy-to-use nest. When cleaning, the roof comes off easily and you can reach everything properly.”

Built for daily use

In a breeder farm, systems are placed under intense use. Between rounds, everything is dismantled, cleaned and reassembled. Materials are exposed to moisture, dust and years of daily use. The hardwood slats and construction of the Van Gent nests have withstood those conditions well over the years.

Jos cleans using water. That makes accessibility important. Roofs, grids and loose parts can be removed, so he can reach every part easily. Signs of wear are visible here and there, particularly in areas where there’s a lot of walking and working. He finds that even after two decades of use, wear remains minimal and well within expectations for equipment of this age.

“You do occasionally spot a bit of wear here and there, but they can easily last a few more rounds.” 

The packer doesn't need to be new to do its job

You see the same down-to-earth approach in egg processing. The Prinzen PSPC 5 dates from 2005 and has been in operation for over twenty years. Over that time, parts have been replaced when necessary. For Jos, this is routine maintenance: a machine doesn’t have to be new, as long as it continues to reliably do what it was bought for Hetzelfde nuchtere beeld zie je in de eierverwerking.

“If a part needs replacing after twenty years, that’s just part of the job. When the eggs arrive, the machine simply has to be up and running again.”

That is precisely why he considers local support to be important. A breakdown whilst processing eggs cannot be left unresolved for long. At the same time, Jos carries out minor repairs himself wherever possible. He doesn’t overcomplicate things, as long as the work is done properly.

A climate system that makes a difference in practice

The newest house was built in 2010 and accommodates around 5,700 breeder birds. This house is fitted with an Agro Supply Clima Unit, the predecessor of the current Agro Supply ECO Base. Jos notices a practical difference in the house climate in particular: the litter stays drier and, during colder periods, he doesn’t need to turn up the heating as often.

Hard data on consumption or efficiency is not available. Jos therefore mainly describes what he notices in day-to-day practice. During hot summer periods, he switches off the Clima Unit.

“I’m happy with it in terms of climate control. The bedding stays drier and I don’t need to turn the heating up as often.”

At Jos’s farm, the value of a system therefore lies not in its novelty, but in its reliability over the years. It is easy to clean, easy to maintain and can be up and running again quickly when needed. If a nesting box, packer or climate control system continues to contribute to day-to-day operations for years on end, it proves its worth in practice.