Adrian OANCEA: A Tribute to a Long-Standing Richel Group Partner in Romania

The Richel Group pays tribute to Adrian OANCEA, a long-standing partner who played a key role in its development in Romania and who recently passed away after battling illness for several months. For more than 25 years, his dedication, expertise, and in-depth knowledge of the local market significantly contributed to establishing Richel’s reputation among Romanian growers.

A meeting that marked the beginning of a long-standing partnership

The shared history of Adrian OANCEA and Richel Group began in November 2000, in Bucharest, at the Indagra agricultural trade fair.

At the time, Adrian was the Sales Director of a company representing several French livestock equipment brands, as well as the BN Serres greenhouse brand. It was there that he met Yves DESJARDINS, Sales Representative for Richel Group.

“I first met Adrian in Bucharest in November 2000, at the Indagra trade fair. I introduced myself, and shortly afterwards, we sold our first Richel tunnels in Romania,” recalls Yves DESJARDINS.

Two years later, Adrian founded his own company, Euroagritec, followed later by Euroagrisere. This marked the beginning of an entrepreneurial and personal journey that would play a lasting role in establishing Richel’s presence in the Romanian market.

A passionate and determined man of the field

From the very beginning, Adrian built strong relationships with growers who trusted him and believed in the potential of Richel greenhouses.

Among them were Mihai Petrosu, from Braila, and Leobard Popescu, from Gradinari, near Slatina, who were among the first customers to support this partnership. They would later become strong advocates for Richel’s greenhouse solutions.

Yves DESJARDINS also remembers Mr. Postaliu, a specialist in greenhouse vegetable production, whose advice and enthusiasm proved invaluable during those early years.

One particularly memorable moment from that period was their first visit to Matca, a major horticultural production area in Romania.

“At the time, Matca had around 400 hectares of plastic-covered greenhouses with wooden structures. We were introducing Richel’s Gothic-style greenhouses and explaining their advantages. Some time later, we began to see wooden greenhouses with shapes increasingly similar to our designs. Adrian was also selling the first metres of Richel greenhouse clips. The message had clearly got through!” recalls Yves.

This story illustrates Adrian’s ability to introduce innovative technical solutions and support the evolution of local horticultural practices.

More than two decades dedicated to Romanian horticulture

With the introduction of the European SAPARD funding programme, the Romanian market entered a new phase of development.

The first greenhouse projects dedicated to cut flowers, young plants, potted plants, and tomato production began to emerge across the country, gradually incorporating new technologies and equipment.

Adrian supported this transformation with unwavering determination. His knowledge of growers, his close connection to the field, and his ability to identify opportunities made him an essential partner for Richel.

“Adrian and I travelled across the entire country, exploring even its most remote corners in a Renault Mégane. No project ever escaped our attention. Adrian never gave up,” recalls Yves DESJARDINS.

The countless kilometres travelled, the meetings with growers, and the many projects developed together reflect a level of commitment that went far beyond a traditional business relationship.

More than a partner, a part of Richel Group’s history

Over the years, Adrian OANCEA became an integral part of Richel’s history in Romania.

His expertise, perseverance, and the relationships of trust he built played a decisive role in strengthening Richel’s reputation and developing its presence in the Romanian market.

Beyond his professional achievements, those who had the privilege of working with him will remember a dedicated man, deeply connected to the field and fully committed to every project he supported.

As a mark of respect and gratitude, the Richel Group has lowered the Romanian flag to half-mast at its premises to honour his memory and acknowledge the special place he held in the Group’s history.

The Richel Group extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.