What was once an automotive parts plant in Boisbriand, Quebec is now a multi-level cannabis production facility called Navaya. With initial plans to grow, package, and sell flowers to intermediaries in the medical community or product developers, Navaya aims to become the world’s leading and trusted cannabis organization.
Prior to becoming the chief executive officer at Navaya, Mark Stermer spent 20 years working in the automotive industry. More specifically, Mark worked in the after-market parts sector and built MAS Industries in Boisbriand, Quebec. In 2017, MAS Industries was sold to American company Dorman Products, which subsequently moved production to Tennessee. With MAS Industries’ plant left empty, Mark began looking to sell or rent the 100,000 square foot facility.
From automotive to cannabis
His foray into cannabis production began in 2018 when a manufacturer of cannabis cultivation systems approached him and inquired about using the empty plant. As the cultivation racks consist of ten levels, the plant’s headroom was deemed ideal.
“I got really excited about the prospect and instead of simply renting my site, I decided to partner on the venture. From what I’ve seen in the industry, many producers know a lot about growing cannabis but lack business experience. I bring the operations, planning and execution to the project. That is what is really going to make us a real success,” explains Mark.
From this partnership, Navaya was established and its first cultivation system is now fully operational. The second unit will be online in a few months, with plans to bring additional systems online every few months. The building can accommodate ten units. The company also plans to have its products on shelves by the end of the summer. For the time being, Navaya is focusing its efforts on producing high-quality dried flowers.
Strength in specializing
“I think that other companies are trying to be everything to everyone: oils, extracts, edibles, everything. I don’t believe that you can do all of these really well. Right now, we are focusing on flowers. You can grow a great-quality flower but ruin it by drying it incorrectly,” says Mark.
To enhance the flowers’ quality, Navaya hangs the flowers to dry rather than using mechanical methods; this, according to Mark, minimizes plant manipulation and trichome disturbance. Moreover, hang drying brings out the flavor and aroma of the flower. To further improve the flower, Navaya cures its products to provide a smoother, less harsh product; according to Mark, curing cannabis flowers is like aging a wine.
In the short-term, Navaya is focused on sustainable expansion and attaining full production capacity in its current building. Down the line, Mark believes that Navaya’s technology will position the company to be an industry leader and expand into new markets.
For more information:
Navaya
navaya.com