October 13, 2010

Bunge plans to expand rapeseed processing plant

Bunge North America announced its plans to more than double the capacity of its rapeseed processing plant in Canada's Altona, Manitoba.

Provided the plan receives all necessary approvals, the expansion is expected to go on line in time for harvest in 2012.

"Canada remains a very important region to Bunge's growth strategy because of the increasing global demand for canola oil and meal and the growth potential of canola seed production in Canada. We are committed to expanding our presence in Canada and this project will improve efficiencies along a fully integrated chain from farmers, to food and feed manufacturers," said Soren Schroder, president and CEO of Bunge North America.

The proposed project, which is part of a multiyear expansion programme of the company's four Western Canadian processing plants, would take Altona's capacity from 1,100 tonnes a day to 2,500 tonnes a day. Bunge would also add a new deodoriser to fully process the oil.

"Canola is an attractive crop to the Canadian farmer and both acreage and yields will increase especially around Altona making it a logical first place to expand our Canadian operations. From Altona, we can serve most of Bunge's oil packaging plants and major food manufacturers as well as efficiently transport meal to key dairy states in the upper Midwest," said Rick Watson, Bunge's country manager in Canada.

In addition to Altona, Bunge has processing plants in Nipawin, Saskatchewan; Hamilton, Ontario; Ft. Saskatchewan, Alberta; and Harrowby, Manitoba.