Project

Yuguan

Large-Scale Mushroom Project
CompostingMushroom Cultivation
Klant
Yuguan
Locatie
Guannan, China
Periode
2009 - 2020
Projecttype
Composting Facility and Mushroom Farms
27 bunkers
phase 1, across 3 units
93 tunnels
across 3 buildings
144 growing rooms
across 6 cell buildings
1000 tons
of mushrooms per week

Challenges

The client was experienced in mushroom trading but faced a critical problem: inconsistent production and quality due to outdated techniques. The main challenges were:

  • Building a large-scale facility efficiently and in a standardized way
  • Starting full-scale production from day one
  • Implementing modern cultivation techniques to ensure consistent quality
  • Managing cultural differences and effective collaboration with local teams

Despite GTL’s advice to start on a smaller scale, the client wanted a full-scale launch immediately.

Our Solution

GTL assembled a team of nine experienced European consultants, specialized in the GTL concept and large-scale projects. Key steps included:

  • Intensive preparation: Local Chinese managers visited European sites and worked hands-on with our machines to become familiar with the processes
  • Standardized processes: Both composting and mushroom cultivation processes were standardized, enabling continuous optimization and quality control
  • Cultural guidance: Using our experience in China, we bridged cultural gaps and ensured effective collaboration with local teams
  • On-site supervision: A GTL supervisor was present throughout the start-up phase to guide the project and resolve issues immediately

Thanks to this preparation, the client could start full-scale production immediately, avoiding the usual risks associated with large-scale launches.

Cultural Challenges & Solutions

Although both parties shared the same goal, their approaches differed significantly.

GTL’s Approach:

  • Global experience: Leveraging international project experience and network
  • Cultural understanding: In-depth knowledge of Chinese business culture
  • Local adaptation: Adjusting European methods to Chinese practices
  • Respect for differences: Recognizing that success can follow culturally specific routes
"What makes this project unique is that we implemented a fully large-scale facility in China without compromising quality or efficiency. By combining our global experience with local involvement, we set a new standard for modern mushroom cultivation."
Ruud Keunen
Commercial Director

Results

The project was a success from day one:

  • Consistent production of 1,000 tons of mushrooms per week
  • Sufficient in-house compost production, with surplus sold on the open market
  • Strong, long-term client relationship, actively maintained to this day
  • GTL positioned as a pioneer in large-scale mushroom projects in China, opening the door to multiple new projects in the region

Why GTL

Thanks to our experience, technical expertise, and global knowledge of the mushroom and composting industry, we were able to deliver this large-scale project successfully. Our approach combines:

  • Turnkey solutions from design to start-up
  • Practical experience and consultancy for local teams
  • Standardized processes ensuring optimal production
  • Cultural and operational guidance for successful global projects