Australian Natural Therapeutics Group (ANTG) has unveiled a significant expansion of its cultivation and manufacturing operations at its Brisbane facility after receiving approval permits from the Office of Drug Control (ODC).
Following an 11-month approval process, the permits allow the company to cultivate an additional 1.5 tonnes per annum of proprietary flower, including new strains, and begin Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) ethanol extractions for a range of products such as oils, vapes, pre-dosed flower and pastilles (edibles).
The approvals also strengthen ANTG's ability to export manufactured and plant-based products to the European Union and New Zealand — a move the company called a "critical step" in its global growth — while opening the door to outsourced manufacturing partnerships covering extraction, vape and oil filling, and flower packing services.
The company said the expansion will generate jobs across Southeast Queensland, with a focus on cultivation and novel manufacturing roles.
Executive general manager, pharmaceuticals Andrew Cormack said: "The approval of our manufacturing permits enables us to extract resin, produce distillates, and manufacture oils, vaporisers and pastilles.
"We are looking forward to expanding our expertise and capability in this area by offering contract manufacturing services.
"I welcome the opportunity to discuss potential manufacturing partnerships to drive industry change and bring more capability onshore to provide Australian-grown and manufactured products to patients."
CEO Matt Cantelo added: "With these latest developments, ANTG is not only poised to revolutionise the domestic market, but also to make a significant impact on the global stage."
Separately, the company has announced the appointment of Dirk Sprangers as technical services manager. With an extensive background in greenhouse integration and project management across Europe and Australia, Sprangers brings knowledge of technical systems and innovative controlled environment agriculture to the role.
Cantelo said: "Dirk's passion for technology-driven agricultural practices and his commitment to producing high-quality crops efficiently and responsibly resonate deeply with ANTG's ethos."
Sprangers added: "I am eager to contribute to ANTG's vision of pioneering in the field of plant-based medicines. My role at ANTG is not just a position, but a chance to make a real difference in the landscape of agricultural practices and medicinal cannabis."
