Photos courtesy of Metrolina Greenhouses
Metrolina Greenhouses and South Central Growers on Dec. 19 announced a strategic merger, effective Jan. 1, 2026, with the combined organization operating under the Metrolina Greenhouses brand.
The South Central Growers brand and social media platforms will be retired effective Jan. 1.
Metrolina Greenhouses, based in Huntersville, North Carolina, with operations in York, South Carolina, and South Central Growers, based in Springfield, Tennessee, have a long history of collaboration, shared values and aligned operating philosophies. Together, the companies will form a growth-focused organization designed to respond to evolving customer expectations and increasing industry complexity, the companies said in a statement.
“At its core, this merger is about growth,” said Abe VanWingerden, CEO of Metrolina Greenhouses. “Growth allows us to invest more, serve customers better and create more opportunities for our people. This partnership enables us to grow faster and smarter by bringing together two highly aligned teams.”
Merger is response to industry changes
Despite strong consumer demand for live goods, the horticulture industry continues to experience consolidation driven by rising capital requirements, operational complexity and heightened customer expectations. Leaders from both companies said the merger represents a proactive response to these complex dynamics.
“The industry is changing rapidly, and consolidation isn’t slowing down,” said Alex Van Der Hengst, CEO of South Central Growers. “We’re passionate about this business and wanted a path that allows us to continue operating, growing and investing at a higher level. This merger gives us that opportunity while keeping our leadership team deeply involved.”
Under the agreement, South Central Growers’ ownership group will become shareholders in Metrolina Greenhouses, and its leadership team will remain active in operations and strategic growth.
“This is not an exit — it’s an opportunity,” Van Der Hengst said. “By combining leadership, systems and scale, we can grow faster together than either company could independently.”
What this means for retail partners
Retail partners can expect continuity in day-to-day operations, customer leadership teams and quality standards. The merger is designed to build upon existing customer relationships while accelerating capabilities.
“Our customer model isn’t changing,” VanWingerden said. “What changes is speed and scale — expanded ship lanes, faster replenishment, fresher product and broader solutions executed more efficiently.”
In addition to physical growth, the combined organization will pursue opportunities across omnichannel retail, including direct-to-consumer, buy-online-pick-up-in-store and other emerging fulfillment models, as well as expanded product categories.
Growth through scale, not cost cutting
Leadership from both companies emphasized that the merger is not driven by reductions. Both companies operate lean, efficient organizations, and growth, rather than cost cutting, is the primary driver of efficiencies.
“You don’t cut your way to growth and profitability; you grow your way there,” VanWingerden said. “By combining talent, systems and scale, efficiencies emerge naturally as the business expands.”
Commitment to employees and communities
All employees from both organizations will be integrated into the combined company, with greenhouse site leadership and customer teams remaining intact.
“What changes is the expanded level of support, systems and opportunity around the team,” Van Der Hengst said. “One of the most exciting parts of this merger is what it means for our people; it opens the door for them to step into bigger roles, develop new skill sets and have a broader impact within a larger organization.”
The merger supports long-term employment sustainability and an organizational structure designed to attract and develop next-generation leadership across a broad range of backgrounds and expertise.
“By creating a larger, tech-powered, people-driven organization, we open up more roles, more career paths and more opportunities,” VanWingerden said. “Not every next-generation leader has to be the CEO or COO, and that’s a healthier model for long-term sustainability.”
Both companies also reaffirmed their commitment to community engagement and charitable involvement across all operating regions.
“This merger allows us to deepen our investment in the communities where we operate,” VanWingerden said. “Strong businesses and strong communities go hand in hand.”
Leadership structure
Following the merger:
- Abe VanWingerden will be the chief executive officer of Metrolina Greenhouses.
- Art VanWingerden will be the chief operating officer for supply chain, horticulture and site management.
- Alex Van Der Hengst will be the chief revenue officer.
- Michael VanWingerden will be the chief operating officer for labor and logistics.
- Thomas VanWingerden will be the chief operating officer for operations.
- Ron Van Der Hengst will be the chief operating officer of the Springfield site.
- Tim Van Der Hengst will be the chief growing officer of the Springfield site.
- The rest of the Executive Leadership Team will remain in their current roles.
Moore & Van Allen in Charlotte, North Carolina, served as legal counsel to Metrolina Greenhouses, and Walker & Garner in Springfield, Tennessee, served as legal counsel for South Central Growers.
About the companies
South Central Growers is a family-owned and operated wholesale greenhouse business based in Springfield, Tennessee. Founded in 1978 and owned by the Van Der Hengst family since 1990, the operation encompasses 25 acres of greenhouse production and 17 acres of outdoor growing space. South Central Growers produces ornamental garden plants for big-box retailers across the southern U.S. and employs approximately 76 full-time team members, supported by a seasonal workforce.
Metrolina Greenhouses is a wholesale greenhouse producer of ornamental garden plants and services. Established in 1972, Metrolina operates production facilities in Huntersville, North Carolina and York, South Carolina, and partners with a business network of more than 60 contract growers. The business includes more than 200 acres of greenhouses and nearly 200 acres of outdoor growing space.
A privately owned operation, Metrolina employs 766 full-time team members and approximately 1,800 seasonal workers. The business produces 70 million plants annually and serves an omnichannel retail model that includes more than 1,400 retail outlets for Lowe’s Home Improvement, The Home Depot, Walmart and Sam’s Club, as well as online order fulfillment for these retailers, shipping plants to consumers nationwide.
As of Jan. 1, 2026: About Metrolina Greenhouses
Metrolina Greenhouses is a privately owned, wholesale producer of ornamental garden plants and services. The company operates production facilities in Huntersville, North Carolina, York, South Carolina, and Springfield, Tennessee, and partners with a network of more than 60 contract growers. Following the merger with South Central Growers, the combined organization encompasses more than 225 acres of greenhouse production and approximately 215 acres of outdoor growing space.
Metrolina Greenhouses employs more than 840 full-time team members and a large seasonal workforce, producing and distributing 80 million plants annually. Metrolina serves an omnichannel retail model, supplying more than 1,600 retail locations for Lowe’s Home Improvement, The Home Depot, Walmart and Sam’s Club, as well as supporting online order fulfillment for those retailers, with direct-to-consumer shipping nationwide.
