Hotraco Agri
Hotraco Horti
Mooij Agro
50 years of Hotraco
We stand strong together
The history of Hotraco
Hotraco, serving you since 1974
Hotraco was founded in the De Peel region of the Netherlands in 1974. This region has long history of livestock farming, mainly with pigs and poultry. It was also a hotbed of technical industry. The company was founded by Chris and Anny Beelen, who have both technical and agricultural expertise and a deep insight into the needs of the agricultural sector. Their goal was to create and manufacture control technology for barns that would improve the efficiency and quality of farming.
We stand strong together
Over the past 50 years, Hotraco has grown to become a global player in the field of control technology and automation systems. Hotraco works with a worldwide network of partners who distribute our systems. We stand strong together with our partners and stay close to farmers to meet our customer current needs. With a worldwide network of dealers and installers we guarantee our customers worldwide support.
Hotraco Group Timeline
1974
The founding of Hotraco
The founding of Hotraco: In the early 1970s, three agricultural pioneers embark on an adventure of technical innovation. Chris Beelen refers to this as the “Van Stratums nest.” Not long after, the three men go their separate ways. Chris marries his wife Anny, and together they officially register Hotraco with the Chamber of Commerce on May 7, 1974.
1974
First control technology
Hotraco’s story begins in a barn behind Chris and Anny’s house on Stationsstraat in Horst. Here, manual ventilation controllers are made: the HTW and the HTD. These controllers regulate fans in livestock farming, using as many as five different settings.
1978
Fully automatic ventilation controllers
The HTW and HTD are followed by fully automatic ventilation controllers such as the AWE and ADE. These controllers allow fully automatic and continuously adjustable control of ventilation in the house. They work based on temperature and provide cooling and heating.
1980
Control panels
In 1980, the company starts building control panels. These panels combine switches and controllers, resulting in a well finished product which is easy for customers to install.
1981
Reopening of Stationsstraat
The control panels for intensive livestock farming are a great success. As a result, the production site is updated. From now on, the production no longer takes place in the barn, but in official company premises.
1982
Introduction of computer-controlled climate controller
For Hotraco, the digital age starts with the CME-T. This first computer-controlled climate controller is developed in collaboration with Eindhoven University of Technology.
1986
Introduction of HDC
Hotraco’s R&D department develops a management and process computer for the livestock industry. This computer, called the HDC, opens doors to international trade.
1986
Expansion of Stationsstraat
The production hall on Stationsstraat, opened in 1981, is expanded by 220 m.
1992
New business premises
The production site on Stationsstraat is completely renovated, with a grand opening of the brand new premises in 1992.
1999
Expansion of Stationsstraat
Hotraco celebrates its 25th anniversary with further expansion and the festive opening of both a new info area and a new production hall.
2000
ISO certification
Hotraco obtains ISO certification in 2000, marking an occasion for celebration.
2001
Hotraco and Mooij Agro
The acquisition of Mooij Agro broadens Hotraco’s scope. From 2001, the company also focuses on the crop storage market, in addition to livestock and horticulture.
2003
Introduction of Orion
The HDC computer, developed in 1986, gets a successor: the Orion climate and management computer. This develops into a significant and versatile product for Hotraco.
2004
Introduction of EMEC egg counter
Hotraco develops its first egg counter in-house. A unique product for the poultry market, enabling poultry farmers to efficiently monitor egg production.
2004
Entrepreneurial award winner
Hotraco’s innovative and creative nature is rewarded. In 2004, Hotraco Group is awarded the entrepreneurial prize in the Peel and Maas region.
2008
Introduction of Orion-MC
The Orion is further developed into the Orion Multi Connect (Orion-MC), an all-in-one automation system for the horticultural sector.
2009
Opening of Expeditiestraat
In 2009, Hotraco opens a second location. Hotraco expands with a large logistics hall, a testing department, and offices on Expeditiestraat in Horst.
2012
Moving to Witveldweg
After more than two years, the location on Expeditiestraat becomes too small, prompting a move to Witveldweg 102 in Horst.
2013
Acquisition Hotraco Group
After nearly 40 years, Chris and Anny Beelen retire. They sell Hotraco Group to part of the current management team.
2014
New corporate identity for Hotraco Group
Time for a fresh look for Hotraco Group and all its divisions. Hotraco Group now consists of Hotraco Agri, Hotraco Horti and Mooij Agro. A new corporate identity is developed for all these divisions.
2014
Introduction of Fortica
Hotraco Agri introduces the Fortica poultry computer, the successor to the Orion. This modern touch screen automation system wins the innovation prize at VIV Europe 2014.
2015
Introduction of Croptimiz-r
Mooij Agro introduces the Croptimiz-r in 2015. This modern storage computer creates an optimal storage climate for field-grown crops.
2016
Introduction of Thomas
Hotraco continues to innovate. In 2016, Hotraco introduces Agri Thomas, a complete automation system for complete management of pig houses.
2016
Introduction of Orion-GC
Following the development of the Orion-MC in 2008, Hotraco Horti introduces the Orion-GC in 2016. The leading computer for climate and irrigation control in horticulture.
2017
Opening of Hotraco Development Centre (HDC)
Opening of Hotraco Development Centre (HDC) Hotraco opens the HDC on Expeditiestraat to house its research & development department and electronics manufacturing.
2021
Introduction of EggXact egg counter
Hotraco Agri presents the completely redesigned EggXact egg counter. This far-reaching innovation provides continuous real-time insight into egg production.
2022
Introduction of iHotraco
Hotraco endorses the importance of secure collection and sharing of data. This results in the iHotraco platform in 2022.
2023
Introduction of Antares
Hotraco Agri develops the Antares for poultry farming. This compact computer automates all crucial processes in the house and provides a solid foundation for the future of poultry farming.
2024
Development of Fortica-CEC and iHotraco Farm Manager
Hotraco develops the Fortica-CEC for central control of egg collection in poultry farms. In addition, the iHotraco Farm Manager is being introduced. With this system, all farm data are conveniently presented on a single dashboard.
