Agra Tech

What Agra Tech does

Agra Tech, Inc. is a privately held, family-owned commercial greenhouse manufacturer founded in 1973 by John A. Pound and headquartered in Pittsburg, California. The company designs and builds nine distinct greenhouse structures (Solar Light, Sawtooth, Insulator, Continental, North Slope, Thermolator, Cold Frame, Shade House, and Retractable Shade House) using a proprietary PlantCentric design philosophy — engineering structures and equipment around plant requirements rather than the reverse. Agra Tech manufactures at a 10,000 sq ft facility on a 24,000 sq ft lot, operates CAD/CAM production, and maintains a finished-goods inventory typically exceeding 750,000 sq ft. It also distributes complementary third-party equipment (Modine heating, Ridder motor gearboxes, ACME evaporative cooling, TrueLeaf under-bench heating) and sells proprietary accessories including the patented Agra Lock poly attachment (US Patent #4,566,236), Agra Kool II positive pressure cooling system, Energy Shield retractable curtains, and PC8 glazing.

The business model is primarily quote-based custom manufacturing distributed through authorized resellers (Ball Seed has been a distributor since 1977 and the channel is reported to account for ~75% of manufactured product sales) with direct enterprise sales engineering for larger commercial accounts. Installation services are delivered through an authorized contractor, Ag-Con Construction, while financing is offered through Evergreen Equipment Finance. Customers span commercial horticultural growers (transplants, citrus, vegetables, berries, seed), retail nurseries, and research/education institutions — including 7 of the top 10 and 43 of the top 100 US growers — with greenhouses installed in all 50 states and international locations including Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Chile, and Hawaii. Agra Tech has held the "Best in the West" designation across six independent survey categories since 1994 and is currently ranked #4 nationally among US commercial greenhouse manufacturers.

Name

Agra Tech

Legal name

Agra Tech, Inc.

Website

https://agratech.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1973

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Agra Tech manufactures commercial greenhouses and distributes related heating, cooling, and ventilation equipment for agricultural growers, nurseries, and research facilities across the United States and select international markets.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Commercial Greenhouse Manufacturing

SIC

Misc Industrial & Commercial Machinery & Equipment (3590)

akta.pro primary industry

Greenhouse Structures & Construction (Frames, Glazing, Benches) (AFAAAHAA)

Keywords

• Commercial greenhouse manufacturing
• Controlled environment agriculture
• Greenhouse structures
• Horticulture infrastructure
• Agricultural equipment distribution

Headquarters

HQ city

Pittsburg

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Greenhouse Structure Sales: Primary revenue from manufacturing and selling commercial greenhouse structures including Solar Light, Sawtooth, Insulator, Continental, North Slope, Thermolator, Cold Frame, Shade House, and Retractable Shade House. Revenue is generated through direct sales with pricing based on specifications and quotes.
2. Equipment Distribution: Distributor of heating, cooling, ventilation equipment and accessories from partners including Modine, Ridder, ACME Engineering, TrueLeaf Technologies, and others. Equipment includes cooling systems, heating systems, motor gearboxes, and environmental controls.
3. Accessories and Components: Sells greenhouse accessories including vents, roll-up walls, drop walls, benches, energy curtains, Agra Lock, doors, equipment mounts, and glazing systems. Components include cooling pad mounts, heater hanger kits, exhaust fan mounts, and PC8 glazing system.
4. Professional Services (via Ag-Con): Construction, consulting, and renovation services through authorized contractor Ag-Con Construction, Inc. Services include turnkey construction projects, supervisor services, greenhouse renovation and reglazing.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Agra Tech manufactures commercial greenhouse structures across nine distinct product lines (Solar Light, Sawtooth, Insulator, Continental, North Slope, Thermolator, Cold Frame, Shade House, and Retractable Shade House) and distributes related cooling, heating, ventilation equipment and accessories from partner brands such as Modine, Ridder, ACME Engineering, and TrueLeaf Technologies. The company serves commercial horticultural and agricultural growers, retail nurseries, and research/education facilities with custom-engineered greenhouse systems designed around plant requirements.

Product overview

Agra Tech is a commercial greenhouse manufacturer offering a comprehensive portfolio of greenhouse structures and related equipment/accessories. Their product line includes nine distinct greenhouse models (Solar Light, Sawtooth, Insulator, Continental, North Slope, Thermolator, Cold Frame, Shade House, and Retractable Shade House) serving different climate needs and growing applications. Beyond structural manufacturing, they supply extensive equipment categories including cooling systems (evaporative, positive pressure, natural ventilation, fog), heating systems (Modine unit heaters, radiant heaters, TrueLeaf BioTherm under-bench systems), and motor gearboxes (Ridder). Their accessory offerings encompass ventilation components, bench systems, energy curtains, glazing systems, and the proprietary Agra Lock poly attachment system. The company provides related services including factory technical support, authorized contractor installation through Ag-Con Construction, financing options, and online maintenance documentation. The product architecture follows a modular approach where customers select greenhouse structures and customize with equipment and accessories based on their specific growing requirements.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Solar Light Greenhouse Top-of-the-line commercial greenhouse known as the 'Dry House' featuring built-in condensate removal in top chords, purlins, and under gutter channel. Designed for natural ventilation with widths from 18' to 50' and eave heights of 8' to 14'. Sold to commercial growers, retail nurseries, and research facilities.
• Sawtooth Greenhouse Low profile single slope truss greenhouse where heated air travels up the roof slope away from plants. Features easy exhaust fan installation and columns that can continue through roof for energy truss attachment.
• Insulator Greenhouse Gutter connected structure covered with poly, available in Code or Non-Code versions with heavy-duty commercial grade gutters and condensate gathering purlins. Performs in all climates from Alaska to Mexico.
• Continental Greenhouse Gothic gutter connect structure covered with poly, featuring a 4' wide continuous single or double ridge vent and extra large gutters that carry 60% more runoff. Recommended for all climates from snow to sun.
• North Slope Greenhouse Quonset greenhouse with gothic arch design for snow shedding and maximum light. Available in 24' and 30' widths; meets USDA-NRCS Tunnel requirements.
• Thermolator Greenhouse Popular quonset greenhouse (tunnel) in standard 35' width, widely used by tomato transplant growers. Available in Code version (8' sidewalls, trussed arches) and Non-Code version (5' or 6' sidewalls).
• Cold Frame Greenhouse Economy quonset or tunnel greenhouse designed for mild climates for overwintering. Features arches 1 3/8" diameter installed 4' or 6' on center; non-code structure. Agra Tech's most popular model with over 13,000,000 sq ft sold through 1994 alone.
• Shade House Pipe and cable structure designed to hold shade fabric and shield plants. Bay spacing is 24' wide x 12' length increments with 3/8" 7x19 galvanized aircraft cable.
• Retractable Shade House Horizontal trussed shade structure with retractable shade system. Multiple widths up to 42' clear span. Can be transformed into a truss or arch house at any time.
• Energy Curtain (Energy Shield) Retractable interior ceiling curtain system with slope-flat-slope or flat design options that saves energy required to cool and heat greenhouse. Available with Svensson Harmony fabric for 50% shade and 45% energy savings.
• Agra Kool II Positive Pressure Cooling Proprietary positive pressure cooling system using high-volume jet-fans that pull air through evaporative cooling and force it into greenhouse through convection tubes. Provides uniform temperature (+/- 2 degrees) and insect exclusion with up to 50% energy savings.
• PC8 Glazing System All-aluminum glazing bar and cap system for splicing polycarbonate panels. Available in 8', 10', 12', 20', and 24' lengths. Includes terminal strip for sealing and condensation management.
• Agra Lock Patented aluminum poly fastener for attaching polyethylene or shade fabrics. Includes hat splice extrusion, agra splice, and gable extrusion. Patented by founder John Pound (US Patent #4,566,236).
• Bench Systems Heavy duty galvanized steel bench systems including rolling, stationary, ebb & flow, T-rail, TAVA (European tray bench), and caster benches. Features expanded metal or ebb & flow tray tops.
• Drop Wall System Poly wall system that opens from eave to grade, aiding evacuation of heat from upper areas. Available in lengths up to 240' and heights to 12'.
• Roll Up Wall Opens from grade to eave up to 240' long. 8' or taller has center shaft for faster opening and stability. Can be manually or motor driven; adaptable to existing greenhouses.
• Ridder Motor Gearboxes Dutch-manufactured motor gearboxes for operating roof vents, wall vents, roll up walls, drop walls, and roll-a-roof. Features easy-to-adjust rotating limit switch, self-braking mechanism, and high protection rating. Distributed by Agra Tech from Ridder.
• Modine Unit Heaters Gas-fired unit heaters with minimum 80% efficiency. Available in separated combustion PTS/BTS line that draws combustion air from outside greenhouse. Features stainless steel heat exchanger option. Distributed by Agra Tech from Modine.
• TrueLeaf BioTherm MicroClimate System Hot water under-bench heating system that puts heat directly at crop level. Creates microclimate regardless of outside temperature. Works with low temperature water (140°F) and various energy sources including wood burners, solar, heat pumps, and geothermal. Distributed by Agra Tech from TrueLeaf Technologies.
• Radiant Heaters Gas-fired infrared radiant heating systems from Radiant-Aire, TrueLeaf Technologies, and Sterling. Delivers heat directly to objects rather than air mass, reducing botrytis and moisture-related diseases. Distributed by Agra Tech.
• Evaporative Cooling Systems Fan and pad cooling systems using ACME Engineering products. Includes PDR, PDR Aluminum, CAEG, and CSEG distribution systems with Kool-Cel cellulose cooling pads. Cools by up to 20 degrees in non-humid climates.
• Fog Systems High volume fog systems generating super small water droplets that evaporate to cool greenhouse air. Used with natural ventilation for propagation and germination at 90% humidity level.
• Natural Ventilation Systems Ventilation systems including gothic ridge vent, insulator roof vent, wall vents, pad vents, roll up walls, drop walls, and Oxnard vent. Uses wind pressure for natural ventilation above 80°F.
• Factory Technical Support Personal assistance to owner/builders and professional contractors in all construction phases including site preparation, construction issues, and shipping issues. Reachable at (877) 432-3336 and [email protected].
• Ag-Con Construction Services Factory authorized contractor services for Agra Tech greenhouses. Provides turnkey construction, consulting, supervisor services, greenhouse renovation and reglazing. Specializes in bench systems, curtain systems, shade houses, and hot water bench heating through Ag-Con Construction, Inc. (CA contractors license #750769).
• Greenhouse Financing Financing options through Evergreen Equipment Finance, a leasing company focusing on the horticultural industry. Contact Will Bean for financing options.

Quantifiable outcome

• Temperature differential as low as 2 degrees Fahrenheit with positive pressure cooling vs 7 degrees for negative pressure systems
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers20 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Ag-Con Construction, Inc.coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerFactory-authorized contractor for Agra Tech greenhouse construction, renovation, and repair. Based in San Jose, CA with licensed and insured crews. Three main field foremen with approximately 15 years of experience each. CA contractors license # 750769. Provides turnkey construction, consulting, supervisors, renovation, and reglazing services.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Growspan: Growspan is a US commercial greenhouse builder specializing in gutter-connected and freestanding structures for produce, floriculture, and cannabis growers, overlapping with Agra Tech's Continental, Solar Light, and Sawtooth product categories.
• Nexus Greenhouse Systems: Nexus (including the legacy Rough Brothers brand) is one of the largest US commercial greenhouse manufacturers, offering structures, glazing, and environmental systems to the same commercial grower and research customer segments as Agra Tech.
• Stuppy Greenhouse Manufacturing: Stuppy is a US-based commercial greenhouse manufacturer offering a comparable portfolio of gutter-connected and freestanding greenhouse structures to commercial growers, nurseries, and educational facilities, overlapping directly with Agra Tech's nine model lines and customer base.
• Conley's Manufacturing & Sales: Conley's manufactures commercial greenhouses, cold frames, and environmental control equipment for nurseries and growers in the western US, directly competing with Agra Tech in gutter-connected houses and ventilation accessories.
• Atlas Manufacturing: Atlas manufactures commercial greenhouses, structures, and environmental equipment for nurseries, produce growers, and retail garden centers, with overlapping product lines and customer types to Agra Tech in the western US.
• Rimol Greenhouses: Rimol manufactures commercial and hobby greenhouses in the US, including gutter-connected houses and rolling/retractable systems that overlap with Agra Tech's Thermolator, Cold Frame, and Retractable Shade House offerings.

Others

• Ridder Group: Ridder is a Dutch manufacturer of motor gearboxes, ventilation drives, and climate control systems that Agra Tech distributes; comparable as an enabling technology peer whose products are integrated into Agra Tech's greenhouse systems.
• Modine Manufacturing: Modine is a supplier of gas-fired unit heaters that Agra Tech distributes as part of its commercial greenhouse heating offering; relevant as an ecosystem partner and indirect indicator of Agra Tech's equipment sourcing and customer economics.

Broad incumbents

• Kubo Group: Kubo is a large international greenhouse constructor with a US subsidiary, offering high-tech glass and poly greenhouses for commercial CEA projects, representing a broader incumbent competitor to Agra Tech in larger and more international projects.

Emerging players

• Ceres Greenhouse Solutions: Ceres designs high-performance, energy-efficient greenhouses for research, education, and commercial growers in North America, competing with Agra Tech in the research and education segment (e.g., UC Citrus Research Board) and on energy efficiency.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/agratechinc
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC_V6IqDzsxPb2FRrb2GrP2w
• Facebookfacebook.com/AgraTechInc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/agra-tech-inc-
• Instagraminstagram.com/agratechgreenhouse

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Agra Tech