N.B. spends $2M to support upgrades to Moncton cannabis facility

A Moncton cannabis facility is getting $2 million for upgrades.

New Brunswick is spending $2 million towards Organigram $9.3 million project to modernize the cannabis producers flagship facility in Moncton.

“Organigram continues to push the boundaries and is continuously striving to reach the next level,” said Premier Susan Holt. “This project strengthens operations at its Moncton facility, boosts productivity and supports good jobs. When industry leaders choose to grow in New Brunswick, it reinforces that our province is a competitive, forward-looking place to do business.”

The cannabis producer was founded in 2013 and operates a cultivation and manufacturing facilities across the country, with plants in Ontario, Quebec and Manitoba.

The company serves medical and adult-use cannabis markets.

Organigram Senior Vice President of Operations East Matt Carreau said the money will go toward a lighting upgrade.

“The investment is specifically to upgrade 75 rooms with higher intensity LED lights,” said Carreau.

Carreau said the new lights do consume more energy than the old ones.

“It’s about $60,000 a month increase,” said Carreau, “But the yield outweighs that increase in energy.”

The new lights will produce over 100 million grams at the facility this year, he said.

“It’s very exciting for us. It’ll be a record for the facility,” said Carreau.

As far as additional jobs go, Carreau said as Organigram grows, expanding the work force is definitely something they will look at as yields increase.

Carreau said there is still a stigma with cannabis since it was legalized 10 years ago.

“We’re trying to get people through the facility. We’re trying to get exposure to the facility. All the jobs, all the taxes we pay, the value that we bring to the economy, to show people we are a legitimate business that’s creating a number of jobs in the province,” said Carreau.

Holt said the investment comes at a time when the province is looking to grow its economy.

“We are looking to attract investment. We’re looking to make our companies and our enterprises more productive and we’re looking to diversify into new markets. What Organigram is doing with their nearly $10 million investment is an investment in productivity and ensuring this facility will lead and produce more product and sustain the incredible amount of jobs that they already have here in a field New Brunswick is a leader in,” said Holt.

The project is being supported by Opportunities NB with a non-repayable contribution of up to $2 million.

A release from the province said the investment is expected to increase provincial GDP by over $3.3 million and generate an estimated $424,000 in direct and indirect provincial tax revenue by the end of next year.

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