DUTTON, MAN. — Parrish & Heimbecker, Ltd. (P&H) earlier this month announced plans to build a new crop input center and grain terminal in Gilbert Plains, in northwest Manitoba.

The new facility, which will be named Grand Plains, will house 25,000 to 30,000 tonnes of grain storage with a receiving capacity of 550 tonnes per hour and a load-out capacity of 1,500 tonnes per hour, the company said. Additionally, the site will feature a bulk fertilizer shed located on CN Railway to provide greater access to fertilizer markets.

P&H said the fertilizer shed will have a 6,000-tonne capacity and blending capability of 250 tonnes per hour. A chemical storage shed, seed treating facilities and new grain drying system also will be located on site.

“P&H is committed to investing in state-of-the-art facilities that help farmers grow and market the best crop,” said John Heimbecker, president of P&H’s grain division and executive vice-president of P&H. “Our investment in the Grand Plains location is key to bringing complete crop input and grain solutions to growers in the Parkland region. The facility will not only provide crop input products and services, it will also expand the grain marketing opportunities for farmers in this area.”

P&H said the Grand Plains location will service the Parkland region, including the communities of Grandview, Gilbert Plains, Roblin, Swan River, Dauphin and Ochre River. On-site seed treating facilities will service the direct-to-grower market and also will supply the current P&H site in Swan River.

Founded in 1909, P&H is growth-oriented, diversified and vertically-integrated with operations spanning across grain trading, handling and merchandising, as well as crop inputs, flour milling and feed mills. The company has more than 60 locations from coast to coast, and trade links around the world.