See inside a cannabis cultivation and processing center in Kalamazoo - MLive.com

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KALAMAZOO, MI — Recreational marijuana is becoming big business across Michigan.

The Woods cultivation and processing in Kalamazoo is just one of dozens of these facilities sprouting up around the state.

The high-tech, indoor grow facility has 3,500 plants for both medical and adult-use cannabis production. MLive recently visited The Woods for a look inside the 30,000-square-foot facility.

The Woods was co-founded in 2017 by friends Raphael Thurin and Trent Friske, both natives of Saginaw, Michigan. In August of 2020 after acquiring their MMFLA and MRTMA Class C growing licenses, they began growing in the 16,000-square-foot space with plans for expansion.

Design and construction details in the facility — including insulated metal wall paneling, automated fertilization, and water-cooled HVAC systems specifically made for indoor growing — are key features of The Woods’ high-tech facility.

“During the design phase is the best time to consider product safety. Prioritizing compliance, product safety, product quality and long-term profitability while designing your facility is paramount,” Thurin said.

Click here to view photos from inside the facility

Plans are in the works this year to expand The Woods’ production to 10,000 plants by renovating the adjoining warehouse of the same size to utilize all 30,000 square feet of space.

The project so far has been a $5 million investment into the current facility. The expansion plan will take another $4 million in fundraising.

It will also create new jobs to add to the staff of 30 currently working at The Woods. Approximately 75% of the current staff are from the Kalamazoo area, Friske said.

Diversity among the staff is paramount, Friske and Thurin said. Both owners were accepted as part of the state’s Social Equity Program.

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