Building for the Future: Van Meekeren Farms' Partnership with EasCan
At Van Meekeren Farms, growth isn’t just a goal, it’s a necessity. As one of the Maritimes’ leading apple storage and marketing companies, their ability to maintain quality while expanding storage capacity is essential. When it came time to build a new controlled atmosphere storage facility, they needed a partner who could deliver on quality and meet a tight deadline. That’s why they turned to EasCan Building Systems.
We sat down with Stephen Van Meekeren, Managing Director, to talk about why EasCan was the right fit for the project and what made their experience stand out.
Why was this project important for Van Meekeren Farms?
“Apple production in the valley is growing, and we needed more controlled atmosphere storage to handle the increased volume. Traditional cold storage only preserves apples for about three months, but our goal was to store them for up to 12 months while maintaining quality. That’s why this facility was such a critical investment for us.”
What made EasCan the right partner?
“They’re a local company, which we prefer, but it was their responsiveness and communication that set them apart. Their pricing was competitive, but more importantly, they delivered on quality. In any construction project, things don’t always go exactly as planned, but EasCan handled issues quickly and kept us informed throughout the process.”
How did EasCan handle the tight timeline?
“We had apples maturing on the trees, and they weren’t going to wait for us. The project had to be completed by a set date, and EasCan made it happen. Delays in our industry can have serious financial impacts, but they met the deadline without sacrificing quality.”
Did EasCan go above and beyond in any way?
“Yes. After the project was finished, we realized we needed additional rain gutters on an older facility built by a U.S.-based competitor. EasCan wasn’t responsible for that building, but when we asked if they could help, they didn’t hesitate. They sent a crew on a Saturday, brought in a scissor lift, and got the job done. That’s what a real partner does.”
A True Partnership
For Van Meekeren Farms, this project wasn’t just about adding storage, it was about investing in long-term quality and reliability. With EasCan, they found a partner who not only delivered but exceeded expectations.
If you’re looking for a steel building partner who values quality, trust, and meeting deadlines, EasCan is the name to call.