September 18, 2012

Cargill aims to build a rapeseed refinery at its processing facility in Clavet, Saskatchewan province of Canada, which is anticipated to be completed in time for the 2014-15 rapeseed harvest.

"We are delighted to make this announcement and confirm our commitment to provide food-grade rapeseed oil to Cargill's customers throughout Canada and the US," said Gonzalo Petschen, president of Cargill's Dressing, Sauces and Oils division. "It represents the first investment of this kind for Cargill in Canada and is one further step in the creation of Clavet as a major centre for value-added processing."

Ken Stone, commercial manager of Cargill Grains and Oilseeds, added, "This builds on the original vision of Clavet being an integrated rapeseed processing hub for Cargill and for Saskatchewan."

He said the investment in the rapeseed business reflects Cargill's commitment to the province and the rapeseed producers of Saskatchewan.

"This ensures our ability to provide value to our growers and our oil customers in the years ahead," Stone said.

The Clavet rapeseed crush facility was built in 1996 and later expanded in 2009. It currently is the largest rapeseed processing facility in Canada and is capable of processing 1.5 million tonnes per year. The refinery will add up to 30 additional jobs and boost the total Cargill Clavet complex close to 200 employees.