Challenge:
May 2017 was one of the most challenging times in Debski Plants' history. The company faced a challenge: the realisation of an urgent order for 3,000 Thuja Smaragd plants of 200-250 cm in height for one of its largest customers from the east. The delivery deadline proved crucial, as heatwaves were approaching that could threaten the quality of the plants. This case study shows how, thanks to efficient organisation, quick response and innovative logistical solutions, the company met the challenge with the highest service standards.

Issue:
The order, placed around 10 May, required the rapid digging, securing and loading of 3,000 plants. Key challenges included:

• Time: The impending heat posed a threat to the health of the plants and their ability to recover after transplanting.
• Logistics: Only 200 plants could be loaded onto one lorry, which meant that 15 transports had to be organised in a short space of time.
• Human resources: During the peak season there was a shortage of manpower and the standard team was not able to complete the task in the required timeframe.

Solution:

1. Strengthening the staff team
   The company used a labour agency to temporarily employ 20 additional people to support the digging, preparation and loading of the plants.
2. Efficient loading
   Debski Plants used mobile ramps to speed up loading directly from the field onto the trucks. As a result, the first two transports set off just three days after the order was placed.
3. Safeguarding plant quality
   In order to protect the plants from the effects of the high temperatures, the last batches were stored in a cold room, ensuring their freshness and intact quality despite the heat reaching 27°C.
4. Effective coordination
   The company focused on successive order fulfilment, organising transports continuously over the next seven days.

Results:

• 100% order fulfilment: All 3,000 plants were delivered on time, meeting the customer's requirements.
• Maintaining quality: By storing the plants in cold storage, the last loadings took place without loss, despite the delayed delivery of the trucks.
• Customer satisfaction: The client appreciated not only the quality of the plants, but also the efficient organisation of the work and logistics during the peak season.

Conclusions:
The case of Spring Solstice demonstrates that rapid response, a flexible approach to problems and the use of appropriate resources are the keys to success in the nursery industry. Despite the difficulties, Debski Plants has proven that it can cope with even the most demanding orders, providing customers with the highest level of service and reliability.