This year marks the 60th year of Conviron’s founding. Over the past six decades, Conviron has grown to become the industry’s leading designer and manufacturer of plant growth chambers and rooms, contributing to crucial advancements in plant science, sustainable agriculture, and global food security.
Founded in 1964 in Winnipeg, Canada, Conviron was originally born from a vision to support the plant science community's need for precise environmental control. As the importance of controlled environments to the discovery process grew, so did Conviron’s business – propelling its exports to over 90 countries around the world and the establishing of branch offices in the United States, the U.K, and Australia.
Conviron's technologies remain at the forefront of plant science research that relies on controlled environments. Conviron products and technology enables scientists around the world to address critical challenges that impact the future sustainability of our world and society at large.
A Legacy of Innovation & Excellence
Conviron's history is rooted in a deep understanding of client needs, even as its client base has evolved over the years. As of 2024, Conviron has now produced more than 20,000 plant growth chambers, continually refining and expanding product offerings to align with new scientific requirements, industry demands, and global market trends.
We remain focused on research and controlled environment agriculture clients and, while the underlying drivers of demand continue to evolve, they are really accelerating.
John Proven, President & CEO
Conviron’s sustained success lies in its ability to adapt and respond to a changing landscape. As global challenges related to climate change and food security have become more acutely felt around the world, Conviron's role in facilitating groundbreaking research and agricultural advancements has never been more critical.
As John Proven continues, “New applications for plant growth chambers and rooms have challenged us to innovate and design new products. For example, clients have challenged us to build growth houses, larger pieces of equipment as they moved crop trials from growing outdoors to growing them at scale indoors, recognizing that instead of one or two crop turns a year they could get as many as five and six. Our equipment can really accelerate their research programs and timelines.”
Through its innovative growth chamber solutions, Conviron is empowering scientists to explore potential breakthroughs that could transform agriculture and food production worldwide.
A Global Impact Rooted in Collaboration
Over the years, Conviron has fostered partnerships with leading research institutions, universities, and commercial organizations across the globe. These collaborations have both facilitated important scientific discoveries and reinforced Conviron's position as a trusted partner in the scientific community.
In 2013, Conviron acquired Argus Controls, a leading provider of horticultural control systems, marking a pivotal moment in its history and expansion. The merger with Argus (also celebrating a milestone 40 year anniversary) has expanded Conviron's capabilities and strengthened its competitive position, enabling provision of the most comprehensive and cutting-edge solutions on the market.
Pictured above is an Argus controlled walk in room. Argus has brought to Conviron a complementary suite of control system hardware and software technologies that enhance Conviron’s offering to its research and commercial agriculture clients around the world.
Together, Conviron and Argus have forged a path toward integrated solutions that cater to both research and commercial horticulture clients. This collaboration underscores Conviron's commitment to innovation and its vision for the future.
Looking to the Future
Conviron’s 60th anniversary has no doubt been a time to reflect on its history. Most importantly, however, it’s an opportunity to look forward to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. As Conviron steps into its next decade, the focus remains steadfast on pioneering innovations that address the pressing challenges of our time.
On what Conviron is most excited about going forward, John summed it up aptly: “We have an amazing client base that drives a lot of energy and a sense of purpose into our business. We're excited to continue standing beside them and support them in doing what they do best.”
Researcher at the University of Sheffield, UK working in a Conviron plant growth room. The university has a cross section of plant growth chambers, growth rooms and custom controlled environments – all designed, fabricated and installed by Conviron.
