Established in 1988
Prairie Plant Systems was established in 1988 as a privately held plant biotechnology company with a focus on research and development. Initial research efforts concentrated on the development of micropropagation protocols for the saskatoon berry tree, a hardy fruit-bearing tree native to Saskatchewan, Canada. The research focused on enhancing both micropropagation and in vivo rooting techniques to produce disease-clean trees, which could be used for the development of commercial saskatoon berry orchards.
In 1989, Prairie Plant Systems expanded and relocated into the L.F. Kristjanson Biotechnology Complex in Innovation Place, Saskatoon. Research efforts continued and, by 1990, Prairie Plant Systems had 29 different varieties of plants in culture including saskatoons, apples, plums, raspberries, cherries, cutleaf birches, miniature roses and several medicinal plant species. At this point, PPS began contracting services to other organizations, including the Plant Biotechnology Institute of the National Research Council, Agriculture Canada, and later Cameco and the Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan.
Prairie Plant Systems Inc. entered into a joint venture with Hudson Bay Mining & Smelting Co. Ltd. of Flin Flon, Manitoba, in 1990 to establish a growth chamber 365 metres below the surface of the earth. The success of this project and the media coverage resulted in international recognition and provided further opportunities for diversification and expansion of services; especially toward plant-made pharmaceuticals. See the Biosecure Underground Growth Chambers page for more information.
Prairie Plant Systems expansion in 1996 included construction of a 20,000 ft2 high-tech greenhouse and office facility on a 106-acre site six kilometers east of Saskatoon. Phase II of the expansion on the PPS site will see construction of a new complex combining a natural product analytical laboratory, tissue culture and micropropagation laboratory and bioprocessing centre all under one roof. This expansion will enable PPS to continue developing its expertise in the plant biotechnology industry thus better meeting the changing needs of niche-market customers.
In December 2000, based on the success and security of the underground facility, Health Canada awarded PPS a 5-year, $5.5 million contract for The Development of Comprehensive Operations for the Cultivation and Fabrication of Medicinal Marihuana. This project operates in the biosecure underground growth chamber in Flin Flon, Manitoba.
The research and development completed by the company continued to strengthen expansion in plant technology, accelerated growth technology and containment systems. Our emerging and proprietary technologies keep the company at the cutting edge by continually enhancing the superiority of the plant material and the quality control systems employed in their production. The investment in research and development over the years has resulted in contracts for products and services for plant-made pharmaceuticals, nutraceutical, agricultural and environmental restoration markets.
In 2000, the Company launched SubTerra LLC, a Michigan based subsidiary, specializing in Plant Made Pharmaceutical research and manufacturing.
In 2003, SubTerra acquired the White Pine Mine (35 square miles of underground area including surface buildings and commercial property. Underground Growth Chamber facilities located in this mine site are home to Plant Made Pharmaceutical research and manufacturing.
In 2006, Prairie Plant Systems expanded their head office administration building by 15,000 ft2.
2009 saw the construction of an additional 17,500 ft2 GMP designated PMP manufacturing facility in Canada.
Prairie Plant Systems incorporates innovative expertise and new plant biotechnologies into deliverable plant-based systems for biopharmaceutical, agricultural and environmental market applications.
Bio Products
PPS specializes in the production of Prairie hardy fruit trees and seed potatoes. Use the arrow buttons below to scroll and click an image to learn more.
