WINNIPEG, MAN. — Richardson International Ltd., Canada’s largest, privately owned agribusiness, is investing $25 million to enhance its Richardson Pioneer network of grain handling and crop input facilities across Western Canada.

“This is the latest in a series of significant investments we have made to expand and improve our operations across the country,” said Darwin Sobkow, vice-president of agribusiness operations. “At Richardson, we are committed to growing our network and enhancing our facilities and services to meet the growing requirements of our customers.”

Richardson’s latest investment includes building nine new fertilizer projects across Western Canada and adding increased grain storage at Weyburn, Sask. All of the new facilities and enhancements are expected to be complete by December 2011, the company said.

Additionally, Richardson is building a 20,000-tonne fertilizer storage shed with rail receiving at its Dunvegan facility in Rycroft, Alberta. With a 200-tonne per hour blending capability and 300-tonne per hour distribution rate, it will be a distribution center for Richardson’s three other Peace River sites.

Richardson also is building a 6,000-tonne fertilizer shed with a 200-tonne per hour blending tower in Estevan. In Weyburn, Richardson is adding 14,000 tonnes of grain storage and a 200-tonne per hour blending tower. In Nobleford, Alta., Richardson is building a new chemical warehouse, new office and adding a 200-tonne per hour fertilizer blender.

The investment also will be used to build new high-speed blending towers with 200-tonne per hour blending capability at Richardson Pioneer locations in Yorkton and Strasbourg, Sask., Grand Plains (Grandview), Manitoba and Lamont, Westmor (Morinville) and Wheatland (Strathmore), Alta.

“While every year presents its challenges, as we’ve seen this year with excess moisture in some key growing areas, we continue to enhance our business to improve efficiency and meet the needs of our customers today and into the future,” Mr. Sobkow said.