Jesus Vasquez Joins PlantTape as Western USA Regional Sales Manager

Jesus Vasquez Joins PlantTape as Western USA Regional Sales Manager

PlantTape, a leading pioneer in automated transplanting solutions, is proud to announce the appointment of Jesus Vasquez as the new Western USA Regional Sales Manager. With nearly three decades of extensive experience in the agriculture industry, Jesus brings a profound understanding of sustainable farming practices, operational efficiency, and leadership to his new role.  This addition to the team will further enhance PlantTape’s commitment to continual innovation, customer service and continued growth across key agricultural regions.

As Western USA Regional Sales Manager, Vazquez will lead the Western Sales team, focusing on optimizing farm operations through innovative practices, precision farming techniques, and data-driven decision-making. His primary responsibilities will include enhancing customer engagement, expanding market presence, and driving PlantTape’s mission to deliver sustainable, scalable solutions that meet the evolving needs of growers.

Throughout his career, Vasquez has been a driving force in enhancing productivity and maximizing efficiency, and cultivating strong relationships within his teams and the wider agricultural community.  His vision aligns seamlessly with PlantTape’s core values, making him an ideal fit for this new role. 

“I am thrilled to be joining PlantTape, a company that has not only revolutionized transplanting technology, but also demonstrates an unwavering commitment to sustainability, innovation and fostering a positive work culture. I look forward to contributing to the continued growth of the company and collaborating with the talented team dedicated to making a lasting impact on the agriculture industry,” said Vasquez.

Jesus’s leadership and vision will be instrumental in expanding PlantTape’s footprint across the Western region, reinforcing the company’s mission to deliver cutting-edge agricultural solutions that help growers increase productivity, reduce labor costs, and promote sustainable farming practices.

PlantTape’s automated transplanting system has gained widespread recognition for its ability to revolutionize the way crops are planted while drastically decreasing a reliance on labor, offering an efficient and sustainable alternative to traditional methods. PlantTape continues to set new benchmarks in the industry, providing farmers with the tools they need to meet the challenges of modern agriculture.

PlantTape Transplants using Stokes Seeds for a lettuce variety
PlantTape and Plantel Announce Grand Opening of New Sowing Line Facility in Santa Maria

PlantTape and Plantel Announce Grand Opening of New Sowing Line Facility in Santa Maria

PlantTape, an industry leader in automated transplanting technology, and Plantel, a prominent agricultural nursery, are excited to announce the grand opening of a new sowing line facility in Santa Maria, California. The event will take place on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at 939 West Boone St., Santa Maria, CA.

The grand opening will feature an official tour of the new sowing facility, showcasing the cutting-edge technology driving the future of sustainable agriculture. Attendees will also have the opportunity to view PlantTape’s revolutionary automated transplanters, which will be on display throughout the event. Lunch will be provided at 12:00 PM, offering guests a chance to engage with industry leaders and learn more about how this new facility will impact the region’s agricultural landscape.

“The launch of this new sowing line facility represents a significant step forward in streamlining the process of sowing and transplanting. This innovation will not only boost efficiency but also drive sustainability by reducing labor inputs and improving the overall resource management,” said Stephen Waldron, Director of Innovation at Plantel. “We’re excited to see how this new facility will continue to support the growers and agricultural operations in the region.”

Danielle Michaels, Director of Sales at PlantTape, added, “Our collaboration with Plantel and this facility expansion will greatly enhance our ability to meet the growing demands of our customers. By increasing our sowing capabilities, we’re positioned to provide even better service, helping farmers optimize their planting process and improve overall yields.”

With this new facility, PlantTape and Plantel continue to demonstrate their commitment to providing the agricultural industry with innovative solutions that improve productivity while reducing the environmental footprint.

Event Details:

  • Date: Wednesday, October 23, 2024
  • Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
  • Lunch: 12:00 PM
  • Location: 939 West Boone St., Santa Maria, CA

 

For more information about the event or to RSVP, please contact Mike McLane at mikemclane@planttape.com

PlantTape Transplants using Stokes Seeds for a lettuce variety
Product Development Specialist

Product Development Specialist

Careers

with PlantTape

 

Product Development Specialist

Our Company:

PlantTape is an automated transplanting system recognized for our innovation and client centric approach. This unique method of transplanting provides vegetable growers with one of the most efficient options aimed at reducing labor costs. The PlantTape process is built around a tape material that holds seeds and seedlings. The PlantTape facilitates ease of sowing, efficient nursery operations and automated transplanting. With one of the most progressive and innovative automated transplanters on the market, PlantTape now has over 100 machines operating globally.

Location: Salinas, California

Job Area: Western Sales Area

Salary: $70,000 – $90,000

The Role:

The Product Development & Research Specialist will be responsible for supporting management, sales, engineering, factory and equipment teams in all aspects. In this role you will work closely with all stakeholders to collect data from crop trials and equipment performance to provide all collaborators with data to drive decisions. This self-motivated person will be an integral part of the team to retain, grow, and nurture new business while delivering customer satisfaction. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic about innovation and eager to learn the fundamentals of product development.

Areas of Responsibility: 

  • Collect and analyze research data to prepare reports for management and clients
  • Maintain accurate and organized documentation related to research of product development
  • Collaborate with internal and external business partners to collect harvest data, crop quality, and performance
  • Assist in driving the development of product concepts and prototypes under the guidance of the sales and equipment team
  • Coordinate product development projects with the PlantTape team and clients
  • Participate in organizing internal and commercial field trials
  • Gather customer feedback through performance worksheets, interviews, and field visits
  • Document customer interactions and feedback for future reference
  • Work closely with management and business partners to prepare presentations and updates
  • Manage quality assurance situations while working closely with sales and factory team to mitigate and suggest solutions
  • Stay informed about industry trends and new technologies
  • Participate and contribute in weekly sales meetings
  • Prepare regular reports on account status and client feedback
  • Provide insights and recommendations for improving client relationships
  • Routinely visit greenhouses to observe and document progress with current PlantTape orders

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural, Business, Sales, or related field
  • 1-2 years of experience in agriculture (internships, academic projects, etc.)
  • Strong understanding of the agriculture industry, customer base, and competitive landscape
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, relationship building and organizational skills
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally (passport required)
  • Highly motivated, results oriented, and proactive with a positive team mindset
  • Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment
  • Self-motivated
  • Ability to prioritize while handling multiple tasks

 Travel Requirements:

  • Travel and afterhours work required
  • Potential international travel

Apply Here: 

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Max. file size: 2 MB.

PlantTape Automated Transplanting System

PlantTape and Stokes Seeds Forge Strategic Partnership to Elevate Grower Experience and Efficiency

PlantTape and Stokes Seeds Forge Strategic Partnership to Elevate Grower Experience and Efficiency

PlantTape, the leading provider of an automated transplanting system and Stokes Seed, a renowned seed company, are excited to announce a dynamic new partnership aimed at delivering exceptional service to their grower customers. In an effort to provide growers with the best possible resources, PlantTape has decided to collaborate with Stokes Seeds, making them the recommended seed supplier for PlantTape customers across the eastern regions of the United States and Canada.

“Cultivating this partnership with Stokes Seeds marks a pivotal moment for PlantTape and underscores our commitment to supporting our East Coast customers at the highest level,” said Dominick Levari, East Coast Sales Manager at PlantTape. “By synergizing our cutting-edge transplanting technology with Stokes Seeds’ exceptional seed offerings, we’re poised to elevate growers’ capabilities and outcomes. This collaboration is a testament to our shared vision of driving innovation and excellence within the industry.”

Under this new partnership, Stokes Seeds and PlantTape will work together to supply growers who utilize PlantTape technology with the highest quality seeds available, ensuring that the advantages of the automated transplanting system are fully leveraged. By strategically warehousing seed at PlantTape’s Livingston, Tennessee operation, customer orders will be processed more efficiently, and seeded tape will be swiftly transported to greenhouses.

To further enhance the customer experience, Stokes Seeds sales representatives will provide growers with PlantTape specifications and available options for PlantTape-certified greenhouses. They will also offer expert recommendations on seed selections that are best suited for sowing using the PlantTape technology.

PlantTape, headquartered in Salinas, California, stands at the forefront of automated transplanting systems, revolutionizing commercial vegetable transplant production through precision agriculture. Their cutting-edge technology is particularly beneficial for grower operations with crops such as tomatoes, hemp, and other row vegetables.

Stokes Seeds, with a rich history dating back to 1881, is a trusted distributor of commercial vegetable seeds. With operations in multiple locations including Holland, Michigan, Buffalo, New York, Vineland, New Jersey, Moultrie, Georgia, LaBelle, Florida, and Thorold, Ontario, Stokes Seeds is well-positioned to serve its customers effectively. Their team of 25 territory managers is dedicated to providing growers with access to the latest seed varieties.

This partnership between PlantTape and Stokes Seed represents a significant step forward in supporting growers and their agricultural endeavors. By combining the expertise of two industry leaders, customers can expect enhanced product offerings, streamlined processes, and outstanding service.

PlantTape Transplants using Stokes Seeds for a lettuce variety
Parts and Service Technician

Parts and Service Technician

Careers

with PlantTape

Parts and Service Technician

Our Company:

PlantTape is an automated transplanting system aimed at reducing costs and labor for vegetable growers. The PlantTape process is built around a biodegradable tape that holds seeds and seedlings. The tape facilitates ease of sowing, efficient nursery operations and automated transplanting. With one of the most progressive and innovative automated transplanters on the market, PlantTape now has over 100 machines operating globally.

Location: Salinas, California; Hollister, California

The Role:

We are seeking an employee to process incoming and outgoing parts orders while maintaining a clean and organized inventory and shop space. This person will support transplanter equipment projects as well as have knowledge of transplanter adjustments to maximize in field performance and the ability to troubleshoot and fix problems related to the PlantTape transplanters.

Pay Range: $17.00 – $25.50 per hour

Areas of Responsibility: 

  • Receive customer parts orders, process orders in the inventory system and package the order in a timely manner
  • Deliver packaged customer part orders to local growers if necessary
  • Deliver packaged customer part orders to local shippers (UPS or FedEx) as necessary
  • Create purchase orders in the PlantTape parts system and receive parts purchases
  • Finalize parts sales invoices in the inventory system
  • Maintain a neat and orderly inventory and parts storage area
  • Track inventory stock levels and order parts to replenish stocks as necessary
  • Perform full inventory cycle counts once per month, perform inventory adjustments if necessary
  • Basic knowledge of hydraulic, electrical and mechanical systems
  • Travel to the field, if necessary, to quickly address and fix issues with local customers
  • Quickly respond to issues by sourcing and coordinating the delivery of needed parts to customers
  • Maintain a clean functional work shop to build, maintain and repair PlantTape modules and Equipment.
  • Help manage inventory of transplanter equipment
  • Have good knowledge of each part and its application and function on the PlantTape machine
  • Assist customers in identifying common wear items
  • Assist in initial delivery, set up and training for new customers and equipment if necessary

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • 2-5 years of related experience
  • Some travel and afterhours work required.
  • A valid driver’s license is required
  • Must have basic Microsoft Word and Excel skills
  • Ability to travel internationally (passport required, no DUI)
  • Must have strong communication and organizational skills and have great attention to detail
  • Knowledge of agriculture and/or equipment is a plus
  • Must be able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously

 Physical Demands

  • The employee is required to lift up to 75 pounds unaided
  • Employee is regularly required to sit, walk and stand
  • This employee works in indoor as well as outdoor environment subject to moving mechanical parts

Apply Here: 

Name(Required)
Email(Required)
Applying For:(Required)
Max. file size: 2 MB.
Max. file size: 2 MB.

PlantTape Automated Transplanting System