WINNIPEG, MAN. — Cargill said it plans to build a canola refinery at its Clavet, Sask., canola processing facility. The refinery is expected to be completed in time for the 2014-15 canola harvest.

“We are delighted to make this announcement and confirm our commitment to provide food-grade canola oil to Cargill’s customers throughout Canada and the United States,” said Gonzalo Petschen, president of Cargill’s Dressing, Sauces and Oils division. “It represents the first investment of this kind for Cargill in Canada and is one further step in the creation of Clavet as a major center for value-added processing.”

Ken Stone, commercial manager of Cargill Grains and Oilseeds, added, “This builds on the original vision of Clavet being an integrated canola processing hub for Cargill and for Saskatchewan.”

He said the investment in the canola business reflects Cargill’s commitment to the province and the canola producers of Saskatchewan.

“This ensures our ability to provide value to our growers and our oil customers in the years ahead,” Mr. Stone said.

The Clavet canola crush facility was built in 1996 and later expanded in 2009. It currently is the largest canola processing facility in Canada and is capable of processing 1.5 million tonnes per year. The refinery will add up to 30 additional jobs and boost the total Cargill Clavet complex close to 200 employees.