Mr. Norton Singhavon reports
AVANT BRANDS COMPLETES MAJOR LED LIGHTING RETROFIT AT ITS 80,000 SQ FT FLOWR FACILITY, DELIVERING SIGNIFICANT ENERGY SAVINGS & PRODUCTION GAINS
Avant Brands Inc. has successfully completed a comprehensive facility-wide lighting retrofit at the company's largest cultivation facility, The Flowr Group Okanagan Inc., located in Kelowna, B.C.
The project replaced traditional high-pressure sodium (HPS) fixtures with energy-efficient LED lighting across 100 per cent of flower rooms, supported by financing from a government of British Columbia energy efficiency incentive program. The initiative aligns with the company's commitment to operational excellence, cost reduction and environmental stewardship while enhancing cultivation quality and yield.
Flowr project highlights:
- Scope: installation of LED fixtures above- and below-canopy across the entire 80,000-square-foot facility;
- Timeline: mobilization began in late December, 2025, with room-by-room above-canopy installations in January, 2026, under-canopy work in February, 2026, and full controls commissioning by March, 2026;
- Investment: actual project cost of approximately $1.93-million, more than 28 per cent under the original $2.70-million estimate. Incentive funding of up to $2-million will offset a substantial portion of the capital expenditure (90 per cent on completion, 10 per cent following measurement and verification);
- Energy and demand reductions: metered results show significant year-over-year reductions in electricity usage and notable drops in peak demand;
- Projected savings: it is estimated that annual savings will be significant as LEDs utilize significantly less power than HPS fixtures and produce limited heat requiring reduced HVAC cooling;
- Sustainability: the upgrade is expected to avoid up to 36 tonnes of CO2 (carbon dioxide) equivalent emissions annually.
Norton Singhavon, founder and chief executive officer of Avant Brands, commented:
"Executing a comprehensive, 80,000-square-foot retrofit at our largest facility under budget and ahead of schedule highlights our commitment to rigorous capital discipline. By leveraging $2.0-million in non-dilutive government incentives, we have fundamentally upgraded our core infrastructure. The transition to full-spectrum, above- and below-canopy LEDs not only dramatically lowers our utility and HVAC expenses, it also ensures we continue pushing the boundaries of premium cannabinoid and terpene production. This project is a clear win for our unit economics and a strategic driver for our long-term margins."
The project protected cultivation quality and yield throughout the transition and positions the company and Flowr for stronger long-term margins in a competitive market. Final measurement and verification is underway for the remaining incentive tranche.
About Avant Brands Inc.
Avant Brands is a leading innovator in premium cannabis products, driven by a commitment to exceptional quality and craftsmanship. As one of Canada's largest indoor producers, the company operates multiple production facilities across the country, cultivating unique and high-quality cannabis strains.
Avant offers a diverse product portfolio catering to recreational, medical and export markets. Its renowned consumer brands, including blk mkt, Tenzo, Cognoscente, flowr and Treehugger, are available in key recreational markets across Canada. The company's international footprint spans Australia, Israel and Germany, with its flagship brand blk mkt leading the way. Avant also serves qualified medical patients nationwide through its Avant medical cannabis brand, accessible via the Avant Medical portal and trusted partner network.
Avant is a publicly traded company, listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and accessible to international investors through the OTCQX Best Market (OTCQX) and Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FRA). Headquartered in Kelowna, B.C., the company operates in strategic locations throughout Canada.
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