Alliance to build pasta and pulse processing plant in Canada

Canada-based specialty crops processor Alliance Grain Traders intends to invest up to C$50m (US$48.06m) in the construction of a pasta and pulse processing and logistics complex in the Global Transportation Hub (GTH) in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.

The complex is planned as a milling site for wheat and pulses, with the aim of processing durum wheat into semolina for the production of Arbella pasta in Canada, and grinding pulses for the production of pulse flours, proteins, starches and fibres.

The distribution centre is expected to capitalise on the availability of ocean containers, trucks and intermodal units at the GTH site for domestic and export shipments.

Alliance Grain Traders president and CEO Murad Al-Katib said the company is continuing its growth and expansion of its global packaged food and ingredients platforms in pulses and milled durum wheat.

"We seek to create value for our farmer suppliers and our shareholders by shipping finished food products and not just the raw basic commodities to markets around the world," Al-Katib said.

Construction of the project is expected to start in 2012.