CannTrust Opens Perpetual Harvest Facility
On June 26, CannTrust Holdings Inc., one of Canada’s leading licensed producers of cannabis, held the official grand opening of its Niagara Perpetual Harvest Facility, in Vaughn, Ontario.
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 (110,231 lbs.). 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 (220,462 lbs.).
To date CannTrust has invested close to $40 million at the facility.
The facility will position CannTrust as one of the lowest cost producers of high quality cannabis flower and dramatically increases CannTrust’s cost-efficiency of taking cannabis from seed to sale through a unique combination of technology, science and expertise.
CannTrust’s perpetual harvest facility is projected to produce at a cost per gram that is significantly below traditional indoor production facilities. Future on-site innovations at the facility indicate that the production cost per gram will continue to decrease. 
Other highlights of the facility include:
- The first cannabis production facility in Canada to combine moving containerized benches with a perpetual harvest cropping system to produce cannabis 365 days a year. 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 to help reduce 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 environmental control, from light and irrigation to temperature and air movement, to ensure optimum growing conditions.
The facility will ultimately employ approximately 250 people, most from within the local Niagara region. CannTrust has joined with Niagara College to help develop its Commercial Cannabis Production Graduate Certificate Program. CannTrust will participate in teaching sessions at the college and will hire college interns and summer students to work at the facility.
“Operating a facility of this scale, CannTrust is well-positioned to meet the increased Canadian and global demand for cannabis. With the legislation legalizing cannabis for adult consumer use having now passed its final official step and retail sales due to commence on October 17, 2018, our perpetual harvest facility offers CannTrust even more opportunities to lead the industry with its disciplined, scientific approach. It is a very exciting time for the industry and CannTrust is poised to be at the forefront of this evolving landscape,” says Brad Rogers, President, CannTrust.
