Richardson International Limited is investing $120 million in its canola processing plant in Lethbridge. The company says it will maximize operating efficiencies and modernize the facility to significantly increase canola crush capability.
READ MORE: Richardson Oilseed expanding, 2013
The plant processes about 450,000 metric tonnes of canola every year. With the upgrades, the facility will be able to almost double that, increasing annual crush capacity to more than 700,000 metric tonnes.
“We are continuing ongoing capital upgrades in Lethbridge to increase crush capacity and realize greater efficiences,” executive vice president Darwin Sobkow said in a news release.
“This will allow us to better serve our customers and create a state-of-the-art facility that is very efficient for its size, positioning us to compete with the most modern canola crushing facilities in North America.”
Upgrades to the plant started last year.
Right now, a modern, high throughput seed-receiving facility is being built. It will provide quick turnaround for farmers and truckers delivering seed to the plant.
The new receiving system will be able to take 800 metric tonnes of canola per hour and will be ready for harvest deliveries in the fall of 2017.
Sobkow says the upgrades will be completed with minimal disruptions to ensure the Lethbridge facility is able to serve both farm customers and end-use buyers.