Kajima Corp. started operation of a vegetable factory jointly with two other companies in Miyagi Prefecture in northern Japan, which makes the world’s largest plant factory using only LED as a light source to grow vegetables. The companies will cooperate in sales promotion providing batch services of planning, design, construction and operation with aim of receiving orders from both domestic and foreign clients.
Kajima took advantages of existing equipment and functions of the building, which used to be an electronic device factory, to enhance energy efficiency and productivity. Mirai Co., a Tokyo-based plant factory operator owns and operate the indoor firm, while Kajima initiated design works, construction and engineering for cultivation racks. The LED lighting was newly developed and produced by GE Japan Corp.
The new type of LED is capable to emit lights of wavelength suitable for cultivation uniformly on large areas. The experiment showed 40% reduction of electricity consumption and 50% increase of products than from conventional factories using fluorescent lamps. The companies have already undertaken construction of a factory of its kind in Hong Kong. Two more projects overseas and three in Japan are in pipeline. (2014/7/03)