WPS has reached an agreement with Bercomex to acquire Terra’s potted-plant sleeving activities, adding another packaging step to its automation portfolio for commercial plant growers.
The agreement covers Terra’s sleeving technology, existing installed systems and specialised knowledge. Terra’s cut-flower activities are not part of the transaction and will remain with Bercomex and Terra International.
According to the WPS announcement, WPS, Terra and Bercomex will spend the next six months transferring and integrating the activities.
Sleeving moves into a broader automation chain
Automatic sleeving is one of the final handling and packaging steps for many potted-plant operations. By adding Terra’s technology to its existing transport, order-processing and robotics systems, WPS is aiming to connect a larger share of the production-to-shipping workflow.
WPS said it will invest in further product development, service and commercial support for the Terra machines during the integration period.
WPS Commercial Manager Michael Meijler described the addition as a step toward a more complete automation solution for potted-plant production.
Why it matters
Labour availability remains one of the strongest drivers of greenhouse automation. The acquisition gives WPS an additional process step that can be integrated with internal logistics and packaging rather than sold as a standalone machine.
For existing Terra users, the important operational question is how service, spare parts and future product development will be handled after the transfer.
What remains unclear
WPS and Bercomex have not disclosed the financial terms of the agreement or the number of installed Terra systems included in the transaction.
Key takeaways
- WPS has agreed to acquire Terra’s potted-plant sleeving activities from Bercomex.
- The deal includes technology, installed systems and specialist knowledge, but excludes Terra’s cut-flower activities.
- The six-month integration period will show how quickly sleeving becomes part of WPS’s wider connected automation offering.
