ST. PAUL, MINN. — CHS Inc. has bolstered its oilseed processing platform with the acquisition of the Northstar Agri Industries canola processing and refining plant near Hallock, Minn., from PICO Northstar Hallock L.L.C., a majority-owned subsidiary of PICO Holdings, Inc. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The Hallock canola plant processes more than 400,000 tons of canola seed annually into canola oil and canola meal.
“Acquisition of Northstar Agri Industries adds value to CHS owners across the enterprise from inputs to value-added processing ingredients to the marketplace,” said Tom Malecha, vice-president of processing and food ingredients for CHS. “Specifically, the acquisition expands our oilseed processing platform to include canola in addition to soybeans, adds to CHS presence in Canada, expands CHS oil product offerings to global food companies, and links growers purchasing canola seed from CHS-owned retail outlets to an integrated supply chain.”
Neil Juhnke, president of Northstar Agri Industries, said CHS was a good fit as a partner because of its commitment to growth and profitability.
“The new ownership structure adds security and many value-added opportunities for canola growers in our region,” Mr. Juhnke said.
CHS said the Hallock facility will be rebranded as CHS and the 57 employees at the Hallock plant will become CHS employees.
