Newsroom
2005
Western Canada's newest mill contributes to growth of value-added sector
April 5, 2005
Winnipeg - The grand opening by Rogers Foods of a $30 million mill in Chilliwack, B.C. is another indication of the growth of value-added production in Western Canada, said Ken Ritter, chair of the board of directors, who attended the opening today.
The mill will grind the high-quality wheat produced by Prairie farmers into 250 tonnes of flour per day, to serve the growing markets in Vancouver, the U.S. Pacific North West and the Asian Pacific Rim.
"The milling wheat we produce is second to none," Ritter said. "As farmers we take pride in seeing our wheat move up the value-added food chain here in Western Canada for consumption in Canada and around the world."
Ritter noted that today's opening brings the total number of flour mills operating in Western Canada to 19. The combined production of these mills totals 3 705 tonnes of flour per day.
"This new mill is a world-class facility that is well situated to serve some of the fastest growing markets in the world," said Adrian Measner, president and CEO, noting that value-added production is driven by demand.
Rogers Foods executives consulted with the CWB to discuss the merits of locating in Western Canada. "The services we provide our customers and the quality and consistency of western Canadian wheat were certainly factors in this decision," Measner said. "We value our relationship with Rogers Foods and look forward to working with this important customer."
Controlled by western Canadian farmers, the CWB is the largest wheat and barley marketer in the world. As one of Canada's biggest exporters, the Winnipeg-based company sells grain to more than 70 countries and returns all sales revenue, less marketing costs, to Prairie farmers.
For more information, please contact:
Gord Gilmour
Communications Consultant
Winnipeg, MB
tel: (204) 983-3565
cell: (204) 299-8398