Pipeline Foods Invests in Canadian Expansion

MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 in Wapella and Gull Lake, Saskatchewan.

Wapella, a 3,500 metric ton (MT) facility, and Gull 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," said Eric Jackson, CEO of Pipeline Foods. "The Wapella and Gull Lake grain 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 both the United States and Canada. 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.

Wapella and Gull Lake are located along the Trans-Canada Highway and the Canadian Pacific Railway, providing inbound and outbound truck and rail convenience. Pipeline's purchase of the Wapella facility 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 in Wapella, and about the return of trains rolling through town to pick up grain cars," said Sandy Hintz, Mayor of Wapella. "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," said Gull Lake Mayor Blake Campbell. "Our local businesses keep our community strong, and we are very pleased to welcome Pipeline Foods to Gull Lake."

Organic grain production has grown steadily in southern Saskatchewan, 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. 

About Pipeline Foods
With headquarters in Minneapolis, Minn., Pipeline Foods is a global organization developing sustainable supply chains in agriculture with a focus on non-GMO and organic grains, oilseeds and ingredients for food and feed. At the core of its business are strong commitments to environmental and social outcomes. Through investments in assets and people, Pipeline Foods is accelerating the adoption of regenerative farming practices, increasing clean label food supply, and supporting organic and non-GMO agriculture with full traceability and transparency. For more information, visit https://www.pipelinefoods.com/.

Contact: Rachel Jackson, 763-999-7556, [email protected]

SOURCE Pipeline Foods