A Disciplined Model for Modern Greenhouse Operations
Metrolina is quietly modeling what the next generation of greenhouse operating platforms will look like, disciplined, standardized, data-driven, and governed by predictable margin performance rather than reactive labor management.
Contract Growing as Foundational Infrastructure
Contract growing has become foundational infrastructure to their platform. What was once a relatively small portion of their business now represents nearly half, enabling geographic expansion, retail diversification, and a level of operational scale that would not be possible under legacy labor models.
Reframing Labor Through Governance and Visibility
What makes Metrolina especially compelling is not just what they grow, but how intentionally they govern labor. Their team has reframed labor from a “we don’t have enough people” challenge into a weekly, visibility-driven prioritization system that reinforces a One Metrolina culture: every job matters, but some take precedence day to day. This cultural shift has moved them from the mentality of “we always get it done” to “we always get it done, but at what cost?”
Standardized Work Planning in Action
With standardized work planning and shared visibility in place, leadership can proactively rebalance teams, shift priorities, and protect production flow even when unexpected labor disruptions occur, rather than reacting after the fact.
Measured Results: From Variance to Precision
During Abe and Art Van Wingerden’s presentation, they shared how Metrolina has reduced total annual labor hours by approximately ~100,000 hours, through labor governance and standardized work planning.
Michael Van Wingerden also shared that since implementing Growmentum, Metrolina has delivered CFO-grade labor budgets that consistently land within ±1% of plan for three consecutive years, compared to being off by as much as 180,000 hours prior to having standardized labor governance in place.
Today, Metrolina manages approximately ~600 core production and logistics tasks each week through Growmentum, creating shared visibility, accountability, and standardization across teams and facilities.
Modeling the Future of Controlled-Environment Agriculture
Watching Metrolina quietly model what disciplined, modern greenhouse operations look like is both humbling and inspiring. Their leadership is shaping what the future of controlled-environment agriculture will look like and we are incredibly grateful to be their design partner.
Thank you to the Metrolina team for your transparency, your leadership, and your continued partnership.