Our Story
Hortraco was founded in 1986, supplying pots, trays and consumables to nurseries and growers across Australia. In 2004, we expanded with the launch of Viscon Australia, bringing advanced automation and systems engineering to the horticultural and food processing industries.
Today, we continue to lead in our respective fields, supplying the everyday consumables Australian growers rely on while delivering advanced automation technology to processors across the country. This dual-pillar approach has made us a trusted, long-term partner for growers, packhouses and processors across Australia and New Zealand.
And whichever side of that partnership you need, you’re working with the same local team.
40 Years
In Operation
20 Years
As Viscon's Trusted Australian Distributor
Australia & New Zealand
Servicing Both Markets
Four things you can hold us to
These are the commitments we make to our clients, and the reasons most of them are still with us years later.
You can start with one machine
Order a single washing line or grading machine if that is all you need. As your business grows and you’re ready to scale, we’ll be here to support your growth.
Spare parts are on the shelf in Sydney
Parts for the systems we sell are held in our Sydney warehouse, so a breakdown does not wait on a shipment from Europe.
You deal with us, not the manufacturer
Our own mechanical and electrical technicians install, commission and service every system we supply, so you are never chasing an overseas factory.
Here to support you
Preventative maintenance agreements, 24 hour remote support and the same technicians coming back to your site, so you always know someone will pick up when something goes wrong.
HORTRACO
Supplying the foundations of Australian horticulture
Hortraco is a specialist wholesale supplier to Australia’s horticultural industry, providing the pots, trays, propagation systems, growing inputs and operational consumables you use every day. We represent established international brands alongside our own product lines.
Beyond core consumables, we also supply light automation and production systems for propagation, bunching, handling, packing and identification, helping you improve efficiency without the complexity of a full automation project. It’s this combination of reliable supply and practical automation support that has made us a trusted partner in the day-to-day running of horticultural production businesses for forty years.
VISCON AUSTRALIA
Intelligent systems for modern production and logistics.
Viscon Australia delivers advanced automation and systems engineering across fresh produce handling, poultry hatchery automation, warehouse and production systems, and industrial washing and hygiene applications. We work alongside leading European technology partners to design and implement systems that improve productivity, reduce labour dependency and enhance consistency across your production environment.
A key part of our capability is Viscon Logistics Control (VLC), our modular platform connecting equipment, production flow and enterprise systems into a single operational environment. Our solutions range from standalone equipment upgrades to fully integrated turnkey facilities, supporting you as you move toward more automated, data-driven production.
A Connected Capability Model
Hortraco and Viscon Australia form a complementary dual-pillar structure. Hortraco provides the everyday consumables, light automation and production tools that underpin your daily horticultural operations, while Viscon Australia delivers the advanced engineering, automation systems and software intelligence that enable scalable industrial transformation.
This integrated model means you can start with practical, everyday supply and grow at your own pace.
You can evolve into a fully automated, connected production environment, without ever having to change partners.
What to expect, from first quote to first season
Automation projects usually run from six months to two years depending on scale, so you will know at every stage what is happening and who is doing it.
Design and quote
We look at your site, your volumes and your constraints, then design a system around them and price it before anything is ordered.
Build and factory testing
Your equipment is manufactured and assembled overseas, then factory acceptance tested before it ships, so problems are found there rather than on your floor.
Installation and commissioning
Our own technicians install and commission the system on your site, and train your people to run it.
Service and support
Preventative maintenance, breakdown response, spare parts, upgrades and 24 hour remote support for the life of the equipment.
Meet the Team
Michael Van Den Heuvel
Director
Henk Van Den Heuvel
Position
Ben Meadows
Position
Mark Ma.
Position
Howard McIntosh
Sales, Produce Grading and Packhouse Automation
Valentina SURNAME
Office Administration and Accounts
Doug SURNAME
Mechanical Technician
Rodney SURNAME
Electrical Technician
WHY CHOOSE US
Why Growers and Processors Choose Hortraco
Five reasons growers and processors work with us, from everyday supply through to complex automation.
Two Divisions With Full Lifecycle Coverage
Hortraco supplies horticultural consumables, and Viscon Australia delivers systems engineering and automation integration, covering your operation from everyday supply through to complex automation.
A Staged, Scalable Entry Point
Start with a single machine or a straightforward supply order, and scale up in complexity as your operation grows. There’s no requirement to commit to a full automation project from day one.
European Equipment, Genuine Local Presence
Proven technology from established European manufacturers, installed, commissioned and supported by our own Sydney-based team.
A Long-Term Operational Partner
We work alongside you for the life of your equipment and your business, not just for the initial sale.
Forty Years of Relationships
We’ve supplied some of Australia’s largest growers and processors for decades, and we’re ready to help your business grow too.
Trusted by Industry Leaders Across Australia & New Zealand
Your Long-Term Partner in Horticulture Supply and Automation
From nursery consumables to fully automated production, we’re here to support your business at every stage of its growth.