Cargill, Viterra plan grain-by-rail expansions in Canada

Within the next month, Cargill Ltd. expects to begin expanding its farm service center in Morris, Manitoba, including increases to both rail capacity and grain storage.
 
To be completed in time for the 2015 grain harvest, the project will increase rail-car handling capacity from 54 to 100 cars and expand grain storage from 10,000 to 30,000 metric tons. Following the past year’s record crop, the additional rail capacity is critical, Cargill officials said in a press release.
 
“Improved access to rail and increased storage capabilities remain a top priority,” said Cargill President Jeff Vassart. "We recognize the need for more storage and additional car spots for the entire value chain to maximize opportunity. By investing in our Morris location, we have an opportunity to efficiently manage how our grain will move and improve access to rail shipment."

Meanwhile, Viterra Inc. recently announced plans to build a high-throughput grain elevator in Kindersley, Saskatchewan, that will feature a 108 rail-car spot and storage capacity of 34,000 metrics tons.

"Viterra has a long history of serving farm customers in the Kindersley area, and we are pleased to build on this relationship through a new state-of-the-art facility," said President and Chief Executive Officer Kyle Jeworski in a press release.

Viterra also announced plans to upgrade and improve its Pacific Terminal at Port Metro Vancouver. The $100 million project is aimed at modernizing the terminal to increase shipping throughput and capacity, and improve handling and processing procedures.

Pacific Terminal processes and ships a variety of agricultural commodities, including peas, canola, flax, lentils, soybeans and corn.

"Our goal is to create the most efficient port terminal in Canada with unprecedented capability for processing a diverse range of commodities," said Jeworski. "This is a significant investment spanning several projects, that when completed, will enhance our strategic position on the West Coast, and our ability to continue meeting the needs of our destination customers globally."