4Front Launches 250K-Sq-Ft Cannabis Facility This Week

4Front Ventures Opens New 250,000-Square-Foot Cannabis Facility in Matteson, Illinois

Matteson, Illinois — In a significant development for the cannabis industry in Illinois, 4Front Ventures has announced the official opening of its new 250,000-square-foot cultivation and production facility in Matteson. The grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony, set for November 6, 2024, will mark the culmination of the first phase of 4Front’s ambitious expansion in the state. The event will bring together local officials, including Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin, state representatives, and members of the local media to celebrate the facility’s impact on the community and the state’s cannabis market.

With 47,000 square feet of flowering canopy and 70,000 square feet dedicated to manufacturing, the new Matteson facility is strategically designed to meet rising consumer demand in Illinois. This cutting-edge operation will supply products to Mission Dispensaries across the state and provide cannabis products to wholesale partners.

A New Era for Cannabis in Illinois

The opening of the Matteson facility underscores the rapid growth and expansion of Illinois’ cannabis industry. Since legalizing recreational marijuana in January 2020, Illinois has seen robust sales and increasing demand for cannabis products. 4Front Ventures’ new facility aims to capitalize on this market, supplying high-quality products across the state and making a significant impact on the state’s cannabis economy.

According to Andrew Thut, CEO of 4Front Ventures, “Our Matteson facility represents an important step forward in our mission to bring high-quality cannabis products to Illinois consumers. This expansion not only allows us to increase our production but also to deepen our commitment to the community by creating jobs and contributing to the local economy.”

The new Matteson site will primarily serve 4Front’s Mission Dispensaries, a retail arm dedicated to providing a wide range of cannabis products to Illinois consumers. It also supports partnerships with other multi-state cannabis operators through white-label production, enabling 4Front to expand its reach beyond its proprietary offerings.

Facility Overview: Innovation in Cultivation and Manufacturing

The 250,000-square-foot facility is one of the largest cannabis production sites in the state, featuring:

47,000 Square Feet of Flowering Canopy: This section of the facility is dedicated to the cultivation of cannabis plants, with advanced lighting, irrigation, and climate control systems that enable the production of premium-grade cannabis flowers.

70,000 Square Feet of Manufacturing Space: This area supports the production of various cannabis products, including flower, pre-rolls, concentrates, and edibles. The facility also produces cannabis-infused products and provides packaging and labeling services.

Beyond 4Front’s own brands, the Matteson facility also supports white-label manufacturing for other multi-state operators. By offering these services, 4Front Ventures is positioning itself as a key player in the Illinois cannabis market, capable of meeting a diverse range of consumer needs.

Meeting Market Demand and Expanding Product Offerings

The Illinois cannabis market has witnessed exponential growth in recent years, with consumers increasingly seeking high-quality products in a variety of forms. 4Front Ventures aims to meet this demand with a product lineup that includes more than ten in-house brands and thousands of product variations. These include cannabis flowers, pre-rolled joints, concentrates, edibles, and other infused products, all available at Mission Dispensaries and through wholesale channels.

By catering to a wide range of preferences and demographics, 4Front is set to make an impact on the state’s cannabis industry. In addition to its own brands, the company’s white-label production capabilities allow it to manufacture products for other cannabis brands, ensuring a steady and varied supply for Illinois consumers.

Supporting Local Economy and Job Creation

One of the core goals of 4Front Ventures’ expansion in Illinois is to contribute to the local economy and support community development. The Matteson facility has already generated dozens of livable wage jobs for local residents, with further positions expected as operations scale. Job creation spans various roles, including cultivation technicians, production staff, quality control experts, and administrative positions.

Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin expressed her enthusiasm for the economic opportunities the facility brings to Matteson, stating, “4Front Ventures’ investment in our community is a significant milestone. This facility not only strengthens our local economy but also brings valuable job opportunities for residents. We’re excited to see how 4Front’s presence in Matteson will grow and continue to support our community.”

Community Engagement and Future Expansion Plans

4Front Ventures is committed to building strong community ties in Matteson. The ribbon-cutting event will allow local media, officials, and residents to tour the facility and observe its production processes, providing transparency and insights into 4Front’s operations. Following the ceremony, media representatives will participate in a Q&A session with company leadership, offering the public an in-depth look at 4Front’s plans for Illinois.

Andrew Thut, CEO of 4Front Ventures, will lead the tour and discuss the company’s long-term vision, which includes expanding both cultivation and production capacities to keep up with the state’s growing cannabis market. The company aims to introduce new product lines, invest in innovative cultivation technologies, and continue supporting other multi-state operators through white-label services.

Aligning with Illinois’ Regulatory and Social Equity Goals

Illinois has established itself as a leader in social equity within the cannabis industry, implementing programs designed to ensure that communities affected by the War on Drugs have access to business opportunities in the legal cannabis sector. 4Front Ventures has pledged to align with these principles by prioritizing local hiring and workforce diversity. The company’s expansion in Matteson reflects its commitment to equitable growth and support for underrepresented groups within the cannabis industry.

In addition to employment opportunities, 4Front Ventures plans to engage in community outreach initiatives that support education, wellness, and economic development in Matteson. These initiatives align with Illinois’ broader vision for an inclusive and responsible cannabis industry.

Event Details and Next Steps

The official ribbon-cutting event will take place at the Matteson facility on November 6, 2024. Attendees, including local government representatives and members of the media, will have the opportunity to:

Tour the cultivation and manufacturing areas

Meet the 4Front Ventures leadership team

Participate in a Q&A session to discuss the company’s plans in Illinois and beyond

With Illinois as one of the fastest-growing cannabis markets in the U.S., 4Front Ventures is poised to play a significant role in meeting consumer demand and driving industry growth. The Matteson facility is an important part of 4Front’s expansion strategy, supporting both in-state and national operations through its extensive production capabilities.

As the company continues to expand, it remains committed to supporting local communities, enhancing product availability, and promoting transparency within the cannabis sector. The new Matteson facility is not only a strategic asset for 4Front Ventures but also a testament to Illinois’ thriving cannabis industry and its potential for sustained economic impact.

About 4Front Ventures

4Front Ventures is a vertically integrated, multi-state cannabis operator and retailer focused on delivering high-quality cannabis products to U.S. consumers. With facilities across several states, 4Front Ventures is committed to innovation, community engagement, and sustainable industry growth.