WINNIPEG, MAN. — Richardson International Ltd. is expanding its grains and oilseeds merchandising team by establishing international subsidiaries in Europe and Asia. The company said the move should enhance its ability to serve existing customers and develop relationships with new customers in overseas markets.

“With the open market for wheat and barley and the acquisition of 19 new grain facilities across Western Canada, our volumes have grown significantly over the last year and will continue to grow,” said Brent Watchorn, executive vice-president of marketing. “Looking to the future, we want to establish a permanent presence for the Richardson group of companies in key international markets to be closer to our evolving customer base and make the most of opportunities to expand our global reach.”

With the opening of the new subsidiaries, Richardson has made several personnel changes.

Boon Guay has been named director of marketing for Asia. Mr. Guay has more than 20 years of merchandising experience having worked for such companies as AWB-Cargill, GSM Trading Ltd. and most recently with GrainCorp.

Emmanuel Karrer has been named director of marketing for Europe. Mr. Karrer has 20 years of merchandising experience working for companies such as Champagne Cereales, Thywissen and most recently CHS.

Richardson has had a presence in Asia for the last three years with a merchandising subsidiary in Hong Kong. These two new entities in Singapore and Geneva are expected to enhance Richardson’s ability to service new and existing customers in overseas markets.

“We are always looking for opportunities to expand our business and cultivate new relationships with buyers around the world,” Mr. Watchorn said. “These two offices will give us the opportunity to build a stronger presence in Europe and Asia and will ultimately help us to bring more Canadian products to markets around the world.”