Scaling Profits with Multi-Tier Cannabis Cultivation: GrowGlide's Lego-Like Solution

Wil Gonzalez, director of marketing, and Darin Siples, president of GrowGlide, a division of PIPP Horticulture, engaged in a conversation about the company's innovative solutions for indoor cannabis cultivation.

Their emphasis on multi-tier cultivation and advanced air circulation techniques has revolutionized efficiency and cost-effectiveness, addressing the challenges of fluctuating prices and evolving grower needs.

An Innovative Response To Declining Cannabis Prices

Siples, who before founding the company was an expert DIY grower in California, recognized a crucial challenge: enhancing workflow efficiency and reducing operational costs while maximizing canopy space.

"I recognized the evolving cannabis market, marked by declining pound prices, and the need to enhance workflow efficiency and reduce operational costs," Siples told Benzinga in an exclusive interview.

In response, GrowGlide introduced an ingenious system with movable racks on tracks, similar to a giant steel and aluminum-made Lego set, optimizing workspace usage and ensuring efficient cannabis canopy management.

Recognizing the need for cost-effective manufacturing, Siples partnered with production experts, propelling rapid growth in three years to a workforce of over 50 employees and a global footprint.

A Purpose-Built Solution

Siples designed the Grow Glide system from the ground up for the cannabis market.

To achieve this, the firm collaborated with a parts manufacturer with expertise in electroplating, ensuring durability for cannabis grow environments, especially in wet climates.

Modular And Ship-Friendly Design

He explained the importance of a modular approach, allowing different heights and configurations for their clients. Their upright sections measured 42 inches by 48 inches—matching the dimensions of a standard pallet for easy shipping and storage.

The intention was to design a system that could be manufactured overseas, stored efficiently, and then quickly assembled for clients based on their specific needs.

"Our system is truly modular. Uprights come in different sizes, accommodating various height preferences. Telescoping parts allow fine-tuning during installation, enabling flexibility in height adjustments, whether 167 or 169 inches. It's akin to building with Legos; 100 SKUs offer endless configurations."

Innovative Air Manifolds For Airflow Control

GrowGlide's air manifold system conquers airflow challenges in stacked growing tiers, eliminating vertical microclimates.

The system efficiently disperses air and plays a pivotal role in the company's innovative business strategy.

Using roto-form components, they ensure uniform airflow and maintain constant air velocity, and pressure for optimal conditioned air and CO2 distribution, enhancing circulation in confined spaces.

"Again, leaning on modularity, the Air Glide system is able to condition incoming air and we can position the fabric ducts above the lights for top-down airflow or below the canopy for bottom-up airflow," Siples explained.

“By leveraging gravity's natural tendency to pull down cold air, humidity, and CO2, we distribute cool, conditioned air to enrich the canopy and expel stagnant, muggy air. This non-invasive proactive air circulation method prevents pests and mold fostered by stagnant conditions."

Client Success And Multi-Tier ROI

The client's transition from skepticism to embracing a multi-tier system showcases rapid ROI through shared infrastructure.

Siples and Gonzalez emphasized how a single-tier grower, initially skeptical, experimented with a three-tier system and experienced a rapid ROI. Impressed by the cost-effectiveness of shared infrastructure, this client made multi-tier cultivation a standard in their operations.

"My main hurdle was convincing growers that going multi-tier wouldn't compromise quality. It was about changing the mindset of an industry that was 80% single-tier at the time," Siples noted.

"The more tiers they added, the more cost-effective it became. The return on investment for a three-tier system was so rapid that it made single-tier setups less appealing. It was an 'aha' moment for clients and a game-changer in the industry," added Gonzalez.

Customization And Collaboration

GrowGlide's meticulous engineering and client-focused approach is complemented by an informative website, interactive tools, and rapid 3D-rendered room designs, making the initial quoting phase seamless and hassle-free.

The system can be easily adjusted using telescoping parts, aligning with the client's unique requirements and growing methods. Quick quotes, a 12-week lead time for production and assembly, and the ability to adapt swiftly ensure efficient planning and cultivation.

"As you add more tiers, it becomes cost-effective. The initial expenses like drive shafts, drive boxes, and tracks are spread over multiple tiers, reducing material costs. A client's quick ROI on a three-tier setup convinced them never to invest in a system that can't accommodate three tiers," Siples said.

All Photos Courtesy of GrowGlide.