CannTrust has held the official Grand Opening of its Niagara Perpetual Harvest Facility, the first such facility in Canada. The 450,000 sq. ft. hydroponic facility sets new standards for the industry. The current annual output from the facility is estimated at 50,000 kilograms. In addition, the company has begun construction of an additional fully funded 600,000 sq. ft. expansion, that when completed, will double CannTrust's annual capacity to in excess of 100,000 kilograms.
In order to position itself as a major participant in the expanding worldwide cannabis market estimated at $180 billion annually, CannTrust has to-date invested close to $40 million at the facility.
Highlights at the facility include:
- The first cannabis production facility in Canada to combine moving containerized benches with a perpetual harvest cropping system. The combination of technology and agronomy produces cannabis 365 days a year and the constant harvesting allows for a continuous work cycle, creating a steady production capacity and a more stable work environment for employees;
- A natural gas co-generation system which significantly reduces energy costs and provides maximum efficiency for heat and power generation. This allows CannTrust to control two of its largest expenses and to keep production costs low;
- Precise control of every aspect of the facility's environment, from light and irrigation to temperature and air movement, to ensure optimum growing conditions.
The facility will ultimately employ around 250 people, most from within the local Niagara region. CannTrust has joined with Niagara College to help develop its Commercial Cannabis Production (CCP) Graduate Certificate Program. CannTrust will participate in practicals and teaching sessions at the College and will hire College interns and summer students to work at the Facility. The graduates from this program will help address CannTrust's growing need for knowledgeable employees in this specialized field. "It truly is a win-win for all involved," said Michael Camplin, General Manager of the Facility and a member of the local Niagara community.