Providence Grain Group Inc. and Grain Solutions, two independent Alberta grain companies, have merged.
Trent Christensen, vice-president of the newly formed Providence Grain Solutions, said the companies hope the merger will attract more international customers looking for larger volume grain lots.
“Sometimes it takes more volume to attract the markets we’re after,” said Christensen.
Grain Solutions Inc., formed in 1995, operates an 8,000-tonne capacity elevator in Viking with a 28 car spot.
Providence Grain Group Inc., formed in 2002, operates out of two locations. Gaudin, northeast of Fort Saskatchewan, is a high throughput 14,700-tonne elevator with a 52 car spot. Waskatenau, 50 km north of Gaudin, has a 4,400-tonne traditional wood crib elevator with a 13 car rail spot.
Christensen said the merger increases the geographical area from which to buy grain. It also helps manage risk in case of frost in a single location.
