WINNIPEG, Man. — Agri-Food Central is expanding and consolidating its Canadian operations at Bison Transport’s CentrePort Canada warehouse. The expanded operations include the launching of a new “foods division” to promote, develop and distribute foods and beverages along the NASCO corridor to and from Mexico.

Officials say that CentrePort Canada initiated discussions with Bison Transport after becoming aware that Agri-Food was interested in consolidating operations at a single site that would provide a central location, access to multiple railway carriers and enough space to centralize and expand its operations. Bison’s 235,000 sq.-ft. warehouse features interior cross-dock facilities for moving goods from truck to rail and vice-versa.

“This was a strategic decision for Agri-Food Central,” said David Nyznyk, director of supply chain management. “Locating at CentrePort Canada provides us with a great location and the best truck, rail and port selection in North America. The Bison warehouse gives us the space we need to increase efficiency and ultimately grow our operations by adding new products and increasing shipments.”

“Congratulations to Agri-Food Central and Bison Transport on this new arrangement,” said Diane Gray, president and CEO of CentrePort Canada. “One of our main jobs is to bring together businesses that would benefit from locating at CentrePort. Agri-Food is demonstrating a tremendous vision for growth that will benefit Manitoba and western Canada and we are excited to be a part of their development.”

Agri-Food Central’s operations involve moving grains, seeds and pulses from western Canada to Mexico and Latin America, and managing the inbound movement of goods originating in Mexico. The new foods division will help the company bring additional products into its supply chain, officials announced.

“While our core competency is in moving packed grains, seeds and pulses, we see opportunities for growth in fresh, frozen and value-added agri-food products,” Nyznyk added. “Our plan is to build volumes and leverage existing infrastructure and rates to attract freight from other industries.”