Beyond the build

Photo courtesy of Gourma

In Quebec, Gourma CEO Charles Verdy has built a thriving fresh herb business. At the core of his operation is a long-standing partnership with Harnois Industries, a company that designs, manufactures and installs dynamic greenhouse structures. According to Verdy, this relationship transcends a simple vendor-client dynamic. Instead, it’s a strategic alliance built on trust, consultation and a shared vision for success.

Since purchasing Gourma in 2014, Verdy has relied exclusively on the Saint-Thomas, Quebec company for his greenhouses. His 211,500 square feet of covered space is dedicated to growing 25 conventional and nine organic herb varieties, all housed in a Harnois Luminosa greenhouse range, known for its ability to maximize light, provide a stable climate and facilitate automation. And Verdy says he’s found Harnois to be more than just a vendor.

“Yes, Harnois acts as a builder, but they also act as an adviser at the same time,” Verdy says. “They’re working for the client and not for themselves. They want to achieve success through their clients. And as an owner, I like that, because you feel that support in their level of customer service.”

Growing in Quebec presents significant challenges, and Gourma’s greenhouses must be designed to withstand severe cold and heavy winter snow loads.

“With a well-designed greenhouse, you can lower your operational costs inside,” Verdy says. “We need to plan accordingly to reduce those costs as much as possible. Some winters will be milder, while some winters will be colder, but we always need to plan for the worst and hope for the best.”

Another key feature, according to Verdy, is the shape of the Harnois greenhouse arches, which are designed to reduce condensation drip onto the plants. By incorporating water-collecting gutters in the right places, the Harnois design helps control humidity and protect the plants.

“Harnois has put a really good system in place for us so we can better modify and control our humidity because too much humidity means unwanted (disease and fungus) problems for our crops,” he says.

But for Verdy, the true value of working with Harnois is the consultative relationship. He says Harnois team’s advisory role sets them apart from their competitors. In fact, Verdy recalls instances where a Harnois representative advised him on choices that were better for his business, even if they were less profitable for Harnois in the short term. This commitment to the client’s success over immediate gain has fostered a long-term partnership based on trust.

“They’re able to adapt their greenhouses to my needs,” he adds. “And that’s been very beneficial for Gourma over the years.”