Pipeline Foods LLC (http://www.pipelinefoods.com), the first U.S.-based supply chain solutions company focused exclusively on non-GMO and organic food and feed, announced today the acquisition of two grain elevator facilities inWapellaandGull Lake, Saskatchewan.
Wapella, a 3,500 metric ton (MT) facility, andGull Lake, a 4,000 MT facility, will each serve as a primary collection point for Canadian organic grain origination in their regions (southeast and southwest, respectively). Pipeline Foods will store, screen and blend grains including barley, corn, rye, flax, lentils, oats, peas, soybeans and wheat, and then ship via truck or rail. "These investments help Pipeline Foods move quickly toward our vision of building a more sustainable organic supply chain in agriculture," saidEric Jackson, CEO of Pipeline Foods. "TheWapellaandGull Lakegrain elevators place us right in the heart of Canadian organic grain production, provide a new channel for farmers to do business, and allow us to connect this grain supply with food companies and manufacturers across the U.S."
Both facilities are certified organic through Pro-Cert, which is accredited in boththe United StatesandCanada. They are each forecasted to move an estimated 25,000 MT in 2018, with increasing capacity expected after initial capital investments are made this year.
WapellaandGull Lakeare located along the Trans-Canada Highway and the Canadian Pacific Railway, providing inbound and outbound truck and rail convenience. Pipeline's purchase of theWapellafacility includes installation of the main line rail switch, reconnecting the facility to the Canadian Pacific Railway after being out of service for over 15 years.
"We are very excited to have Pipeline Foods take over the elevator inWapella, and about the return of trains rolling through town to pick up grain cars," saidSandy Hintz, Mayor ofWapella. "Pipeline Foods has already been very supportive of community fundraisers and projects. The addition of staff at the elevator will create more support for our local businesses, and Pipeline Foods' big investment in elevator infrastructure will create additional tax revenue for our town."
"I recently had an opportunity to tour the Pipeline Foods Facility and was impressed with the current operations and planned upgrades," saidGull LakeMayorBlake Campbell. "Our local businesses keep our community strong, and we are very pleased to welcome Pipeline Foods toGull Lake."
Organic grain production has grown steadily in southernSaskatchewan, largely in response to consumer demand for organic grains, and supported by the diverse crop rotation in the region. Organic cropping benefits from weed and pest control without the use of synthetic inputs due to a more diverse, longer crop rotation.
"Our expansion through these two facilities will enable Pipeline Foods to cultivate closer relationships with producers, ensure a clean and transparent supply, and ultimately offer better value for our customers," Jackson said.
Pipeline Foods is pursuing opportunities to invest $300-500MM over the next three to five years to build a better, more sustainable supply chain in agriculture. Pipeline Foods is actively buying all classes of organic wheat, pulses and oats.
