CN, online shipper plan grain loading, capacity upgrades

If you’re a Canadian grain shipper, there’s always a way to move more product, faster. Now, one CN customer aims to triple its grain loading speed in 2019.

Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited announced plans to expand its Parrish Siding facility, including a new 6,000-metric tonne fertilizer warehouse as well as grain handling and storage upgrades, which will increase both capacity and efficiency.

Plans are also underway with CN to increase the facility’s rail capacity to 150 cars.

The expansion in Watrous, Saskatoon includes doubling grain storage capacity, and tripling the speed of grain loading, too. The company will significantly increase graincleaning efficiency with the installation of high-speed cleaners.

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“As a proud, Canadian family-owned and operated business, P&H is committed to investing in facilities and capabilities that support Canadian producers as they strive to grow and market the best crop,” said John Heimbecker, President Grain Division and Executive Vice President, Parrish & Heimbecker. “We continue to see a drive to reach the top of the yield curve among growers in the Watrous area and we are dedicated to providing the products and services to help these growers realize the full potential of their acres.”

The new fertilizer facility is slated to begin operation by the end of 2018.

“The expansion at our Parrish Siding location is key in providing our customers with timely and personalized service, a complete crop input product offering and expanded grain marketing opportunities,” said Keith Thiessen, General Manager, Parrish & Heimbecker – Parrish Siding. “We look forward to bringing this improved offering to area producers and continuing to grow alongside existing and new customers.”

The additional 20,000 tonnes of grain storage and handling system upgrades will not only increase overall capacity as well as efficiency of handling and shipping, it will also enable the location to handle multiple commodities at a time.

The grain facility upgrades are scheduled to be completed in July 2019.