A FAMILY BUSINESS ROOTED IN HORTICULTURAL EXCELLENCE

Gartneriet PKM A/S was founded in 1948 by Poul and Marie Madsen, beginning with a modest vegetable horticulture operation of five small greenhouses covering 1,500 sqm in Søhus near Odense. Over time, the business evolved, and in the late 1950s, Poul Madsen shifted the focus to specialized plant production. By 1960, PKM had begun cultivating Campanula, Schlumbergera, and Rhipsalidopsis, laying the foundation for a legacy of innovation and quality in horticulture.

Poul Madsen was a visionary with an unwavering "people first" mindset. He believed that loyal, hardworking, and enterprising employees were the cornerstone of any successful business. His positivity and ability to see opportunities instead of limitations fostered a unique company spirit that remains central to PKM’s culture today.

It was clear that Poul wanted his passion for horticulture to be carried forward by his family. Among his four children, three pursued careers in gardening, with his son Kristian Madsen taking the reins of PKM. Kristian's journey to leadership included years of international experience across Norway, Germany, New Zealand, California, and Central and South America. These formative years developed his innovative mindset and reinforced his father’s philosophy of focusing on possibilities over constraints.

In 1983, Poul and Kristian co-founded the limited company ‘Poul & Kristian Madsen’s Gartneri ApS.’ By 1989, Kristian had fully taken over the nursery, embarking on a journey of growth, learning, and building strong customer relationships. Kristian also understood the importance of skilled and committed employees as the backbone of a healthy business.

In 2001, PKM welcomed another family member to the team when Kristian’s wife, Anett, joined to handle marketing, administration, and representation. Her informal yet pivotal role was humorously reflected on her business card as "gardener’s wife," highlighting PKM's family-oriented spirit. Today, Anett serves as CEO, embodying the company’s values and leading PKM into the future.

PKM has never shied away from innovation. In 2007/2008 and 2010, PKM made a significant investment to expand 50,000 sqm of greenhouse space to meet the rising demand for the popular Campanula type GET MEE®. In 2017, a state-of-the-art automatic packing and sorting system was added, further enhancing efficiency and quality. That same year marked the successful generational transition to Poul Madsen Jr., the third-generation leader who has been deeply involved in the business since childhood.

Today, PKM stands as a modern horticultural company driven by innovation, sustainability, and a strong family spirit. Every employee is valued as an essential part of the PKM family, and the company continues to thrive through a dedicated, responsible, and respectful approach. By fostering strong customer relationships, producing high-quality plants, and sharing best practices within the horticultural industry, PKM remains committed to leading the way forward.

Through decades of growth, challenges, and achievements, PKM has stayed true to its roots while embracing the future with open arms – "Never finished, always on the way."