Richardson International Limited will invest C$12 million (US$11 million) to expand four of its Ag Business Centres in Saskatchewan and Manitoba to further increase capacity on the front end of its grain-handling network.

 

This new project is the latest in a series of significant investments Richardson has made to expand and improve its operations from grain sourcing through to canola oil processing, said Curt Vossen, President of Richardson.

 

The investments solidify Richardson's commitment in developing the most efficient pipeline of grain movement in Western Canada, which is essential in helping bring agriculture full circle, Vossen said.

 

The Brandon, Manitoba facility's grain storage capacity will be doubled to 20,500 tonnes and rail car capacity will be expanded to accommodate a 112-car unit train.

 

Grain storage capacity at the Swift Current, Saskatchewan facility will be increased to 30,000 tonnes and rail car capacity will be expanded to accommodate a 112-car unit train.

 

The rail car capacity at the Crooked River, Saskatchewan facility will be upgraded to accommodate a 104-car unit train, and the Whitewood, Saskatchewan facility will expand its fertiliser shed by six times to 4,800 tonnes.

 

Richardson previously invested C$40 million (US$36.3 million) in 2008 to expand 16 of its facilities in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario after increasing its grain-handling capacity by 50 percent through acquisitions made in 2007.

 

Upon completion of the above-listed expansion in 2009, a total of 30 Richardson Ag Business Centres will be capable of loading 100-car unit or more trains. 

 

Richardson International Limited, a subsidiary of James Richardson & Sons, Limited, is a privately-owned Canadian agribusiness. It handles all major grains, oilseeds, and special crops and sells crop inputs and related services through farm service centres throughout Canada.