Richardson Oilseed Ltd. plans to expand its canola processing plant in Lethbridge, Alta., the company said March 20. The expansion will double the facility’s processing capacity, which currently is at 1,200 tonnes of canola per day, or 410,000 tonnes per year. Construction should begin early in 2014 and be completed by the end of 2015.
Last year Richardson Oilseed, a subsidiary of Winnipeg-based Richardson International Ltd., completed a $15 million expansion at its canola packaging plant in Lethbridge, which increased the facility’s size by 40%. At a facility in Yorkton, Sask., Richardson Oilseed is increasing crushing capacity by 25%, which will grow volumes to 3,000 tonnes per day from 2,400 tonnes per day. The Yorkton expansion is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
“With increased capacity at two state-of-the-art canola processing plants and strong origination capabilities through our expanding Richardson Pioneer network, we will be well positioned to service our customers and meet the needs of the global marketplace,” said Pat Van Osch, senior vice-president of Richardson Oilseed.
