Richardson International is best known in the Yorkton region for oilseeds, with a canola plant being one of two constructed in this region. Now, with the acquisition of Viterra's oat and specialty grain business, the company recently announced the founding of Richardson Milling.
Pat Van Osch, Senior Vice-President of Quality Assurance and Manufacturing, says that the main impact for local producers will be another company in the market for their product, as Richardson needs oats to accomplish goals for the new business.
"This puts us in the oats processing business, and we as an organization are going to be in the market to buy more oats to feed into our oat milling plants in Canada and the US," Van Osch says.
The decision to get into the oats business was one driven by the market, Van Osch explains. He says that as more people want to eat healthier products, things like oats are a good fit for Richardson. The canola product is one side of a healthier alternative and the oats business will be another. Since that's what people are demanding from their food, Van Osch says it makes sense to look into the alternatives and try to capitalize on consumer desire.
He notes that it fits in with their more familiar canola processing division, and the expertise from one can transfer into the oat processing.
"We liked the demand side of it, we liked how it compliments our grain handling business, and we're always looking to expand our agrifood footprint in western Canada."
For Richardson Milling's operations, the Yorkton area will be served by two processing facilities, Van Osch says, one in Martensville and one in Portage la Prairie. He adds, that they will both be drawing from the region as they buy oats for their operations.
