Winnipeg-based JRI expanding in Sask.
Last Updated: Wednesday, February 6, 2008 | 6:14 PM CT
CBC News
Winnipeg-based grain company James Richardson International is expanding in two communities in eastern Saskatchewan — Yorkton and Canora.
The company said Wednesday it will proceed with "significant expansions" at its Pioneer Grain facilities in Saskatchewan.
The Canora facility will see its storage increased by 10,000 metric tonnes, effectively doubling capacity.
Canora will see its rail capacity increased to accommodate 104 railcars from its current 52-car capacity.
The company also said it had in the works a 4,000-metric-tonne fertilizer storage building and blender at its Pioneer Grain facility in Yorkton.
"JRI has traditionally had a very strong presence in Saskatchewan and it is important for us to ensure that our facilities in that province continue to be world-class," company president Curt Vossen said in a news release.
Vossen said the expansions will help the company better serve producers and customers.
Vossen adds that the successful integration of the former Agricore United facilities was an important factor in JRI's expansion plans.
Last year Richardson was trying to buy Agricore, but the sale eventually went to Saskatchewan Wheat Pool, now called Viterra.
As part of the deal, Richardson picked up some of Agricore's properties, including the Saskatchewan properties.
Construction at the Canora facility is expected to be completed by the end of summer 2008. The Yorkton fertilizer storage building and blender is expected to be running this spring.
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