Richardson to double canola processing capacity at Alta. plant

WINNIPEG—Canola processor Richardson Oilseed Ltd. plans to double the capacity of its plant in Lethbridge, Alta., to meet growing global demand.

The Winnipeg-based company said the expansion, to be completed by the end of 2015, will improve the plant’s efficiency by upgrading technology and increasing automation.

Richardson currently processes about 1,200 tonnes of canola daily, or 410,000 tonnes per year.

Global demand for canola oil is increasing due to consumer desire for healthier foods, senior vice-president Pat Van Osch said in a news release.

Construction is slated to begin early next year and follows a $15-million expansion of its canola packaging plant in the city about 200 kilometres south of Calgary.

Richardson is also in the process of expanding processing capacity at its plant in Yorkton, Sask., by 25 per cent to 3,000 tonnes daily.

Richardson Oilseed is a wholly owned subsidiary of Richardson International Ltd., Canada’s largest, privately owned agribusiness.