Montel partnered with Kalera to provide cutting-edge mobile racking systems for all of their vertical farming facilities, allowing Kalera to cultivate nutrient-rich greens, year-round. Using 50-80 racks per farm, growing at layers of 9 or 12, the height of Montel's mobile racks allows growers to ensure they are getting the most capacity out of the farm. By collapsing the racks, farmers can also ensure they get the most out of their lighting, using light more efficiently. Montel helps growers reimagine agriculture for a healthier planet! Join us in shaping the future of food.
The Challenge
Traditional agriculture relies on specific climates and long-distance distribution, resulting in inconsistent supply, reduced freshness, food waste, and growing environmental strain. For Kalera, the challenge was to produce high-quality leafy greens year-round, closer to consumers, while minimizing water, land, and resource use.
At the same time, vertical farming introduces its own complexities — particularly energy consumption, environmental control, and the need for systems flexible enough to adapt as consumer demand, crop varieties, and technologies evolve.
The Solution
Kalera designed its vertical farming facilities around a high-density, controlled-environment production model, built on Montel’s mobile vertical racking systems as the structural foundation of the farm.
Montel’s systems form the core infrastructure that supports lighting, irrigation, airflow, and crop access — enabling Kalera to precisely control growing conditions while maximizing usable production space. The mobile design allows racks to be compacted or opened as needed, improving light efficiency, workflow, and operational flexibility.
This modular, scalable approach allows Kalera to continuously optimize layouts, integrate evolving technologies, and adapt facilities to new crops or production requirements without compromising efficiency.
The Benefits
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Significant resource reduction: Up to 95–97% less water and 99% less land compared to conventional agriculture
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Improved freshness & reduced food miles: Locally grown produce reaches stores within days — sometimes hours — of harvest
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Higher production efficiency: Mobile racking maximizes vertical and horizontal growing space while minimizing non-productive aisles
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Optimized energy use: Collapsible rack layouts improve lighting efficiency by reducing wasted photons and spillover
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Operational flexibility: Systems can adapt over time as crops, technologies, and consumer needs evolve
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Consistent quality & food safety: Clean, controlled environments reduce reliance on pesticides and limit contamination risks
Product Description
Kalera’s facilities are equipped with Montel's Grow&Roll™ vertical farming system , typically deploying 50 to 80 racks per farm, with crops grown across 9 or 12 vertical layers depending on product requirements.
The racks serve as the structural backbone of each facility, supporting integrated lighting, irrigation, HVAC, and airflow systems. Their mobile, high-load design allows operators to easily open and close aisles, ensuring efficient access while maximizing canopy photon efficiency.
Highly adjustable and durable, Montel’s systems enable Kalera to grow a diverse portfolio — from whole-head lettuce to loose-leaf blends, herbs, and microgreens — all within the same adaptable infrastructure.
Montel is the foundation upon which everything else is built. We couldn’t do what we do without Montel.
Jim Leighton, President & CEO, Kalera
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