June 3, 2008

JRI to construct rapeseed processing plant in Canada

James Richardson International Limited (JRI) announced on May 30 plans to build a new rapeseed processing plant in Saskatchewan, Canada.

The new plant, which will be capable of processing 840,000 tonnes of rapeseed per year, will triple JRI's rapeseed oil production.

The company currently owns and operates Canbra Foods Ltd., a rapeseed crushing, refining, processing and packaging plant in Lethbridge, Alberta.

Hartley T. Richardson, JRI chairman, said the move increases and diversifies the company's presence in the agri-food industry on a global basis.

The company said it had been considering the new plant since September 2006, though unexpected construction costs required JRI to review its engineering specifications.

The required review has now been completed and JRI has concluded that the project will proceed as planned.