Richardson investing in expanded canola processing

January 27, 2011, Winnipeg – Richardson International Limited is investing $15 million to expand and enhance its canola oil processing plant in Lethbridge, Alta.

Richardson will increase the size of its canola packaging plant in Lethbridge by 40 per cent, adding 33,000 square feet with increased warehouse space and bulk oil storage. The project will also increase efficiencies by fully automating the oil receiving and blending process.

“Our business overall has increased dramatically due to unprecedented customer demand for healthier food products,” says John Haen, vice president of Richardson Nutrition. “By increasing the footprint of our Lethbridge plant and automating the way we do business, we will be able to better serve our customers’ needs today and into the future.”

In a press release, the company stated that trans fat legislation in Canada and the U.S. has contributed to the increased demand for innovative new trans-fat free products, as has a general lack of functional trans fat compliant products.

Richardson has invested in research and development over the last 18 months to develop new canola-based oil, non-hydrogenated margarine and shortening products for the, bakery, foodservice, food processing and retail markets.

In addition to the expansion project at the Lethbridge plant, Richardson will open a new $1.5 million lab facility and pilot plant to continue research and development work.

With processing plants in Lethbridge and Yorkton, Sask., Richardson is one of North America’s largest suppliers of canola oil and meal.