Van Meekeren Farms Ltd
Building for the Future: The EasCan & Van Meekeren Partnership
Client: Van Meekeren Farms Ltd.
Industry: Wholesale Produce
Location: Nova Scotia
Projects Completed: 1
Challenge
Van Meekeren Farms Ltd., a leading apple grower, storage, and marketing company in the Annapolis Valley, needed to expand its controlled atmosphere storage capacity to accommodate growing apple production in the region.
Traditional cold storage options could only preserve apples for up to three months, while Van Meekeren Farms required year-round storage to maintain product quality and manage long-term sales.
With a tight deadline dictated by harvest cycles, they required a partner who could deliver on time while ensuring high construction standards. Having built multiple storage facilities before, Van Meekeren Farms sought a local, reliable company that could match their own commitment to quality, efficiency, and long-term value.
Solutions Provided by EasCan
EasCan approached the project with exceptional responsiveness and respect, treating Bretoba with the same dedication they would for larger clients. EasCan not only provided a quality building at a fair, upfront price but also guided Bretoba through design complexities. They offered transparency in costs, eliminating surprises, and prioritized client needs, even directing Bretoba to other suppliers when it was in their best interest. The partnership has since expanded, with two more successful projects and a new one underway.
What Set EasCan Apart?
Responsiveness and Communication:
“EasCan’s responsiveness and communication stood out. I was concerned about meeting our tight timeline, but their team ensured everything stayed on track and kept me informed every step of the way.”
Customer-Centric Approach:
“When I raised concerns about an overhead door, they immediately coordinated with their subcontractor to fix the issue. It’s these small but significant actions that show they truly care about their customers.”
Commitment to Quality:
“We prioritize quality in our business, and EasCan mirrors that philosophy. Their buildings aren’t just competitively priced, they’re built to last, saving us time and hassle in the long run.”
Above-and-Beyond Service:
“Even after the project was completed, EasCan came back on a Saturday to address an issue with gutters on an older building supplied by a competitor. That level of service is rare and deeply appreciated.”
Success Metrics & Business Impact
Since the completion of the EasCan-built facility, Van Meekeren Farms has seen tangible improvements in storage efficiency, product quality, and industry reputation:
✅ Extended Apple Storage: Allows for year-round sales, eliminating seasonal selling constraints.
✅ Optimized Storage Conditions: Controlled atmosphere technology maintains peak apple quality for up to 12 months.
✅ Industry Recognition: The facility has been praised as one of the best in the industry, receiving positive feedback from international refrigeration and controlled atmosphere equipment companies.
✅ Stronger Market Position: Expanded storage supports growth in Canada, the U.S., and Asia, increasing market reach.
✅ Ongoing Partnership: Van Meekeren Farms continues to refer others to EasCan, reinforcing their trust in the company’s expertise.
Project Overview
Primary Project: Controlled atmosphere storage facility designed for long-term apple preservation and market flexibility.
Ongoing Relationship: EasCan has supported additional facility improvements beyond the initial project.
Future Partnership: Van Meekeren Farms sees EasCan as a go-to partner for future expansion needs.
What Is It Like Working With EasCan?
“We produce quality in our company—that’s our motto. We prefer to buy quality, knowing it costs more upfront but saves us in the long run. EasCan delivered exactly what they promised, on time, and at the level of quality we expected. I would recommend them without hesitation.”
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