Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – Canpotex Limited (Canpotex) announces completion of construction and commencement of operation of its state of-the art Railcar Maintenance Facility in Saskatchewan.   Canpotex invested CDN $60 million in the new facility to ensure that its railcars are efficiently maintained for the safe and timely transportation of Canpotex’s Saskatchewan potash to export terminals for shipment onwards to offshore markets. This new facility provides Canpotex with  greater control over its railcar maintenance, thereby enhancing the performance of its fleet.   Located approximately 12 kilometres southwest of Lanigan in the Rural Municipality of Usborne, this facility provides all-weather inspection and light repair, automated railcar wash and wheel maintenance services for Canpotex’s 5,000 railcars.   This new facility is part of a railcar logistics’ strategy initiated in 1996 when Canpotex partnered with National Steel Car Limited of Hamilton, Ontario to build the world’s first railcar designed specifically to carry potash. The new design, combined with greater load capacity, allows Canpotex to operate longer trains that carry more potash. By exclusively running longer trains, Canpotex is one of the first Canadian shippers to support the railways’ move towards a ‘drop and lift’ operating system.   “The movement of our potash from Saskatchewan to our export terminals on the West Coast is the life-line of our logistics, and this facility allows Canpotex to remain the world’s premier potash exporter. With the addition of a Railcar Maintenance Facility here in Saskatchewan, we are able to stimulate capital investment, construction and long-term job opportunities here at home, while ensuring Canpotex continues to meet the growing demand for potash overseas, and drive our reputation for quality, service and reliability,” stated Mr. Steve Dechka, Canpotex’s  President and Chief Executive Officer.   Operating continuously since 1972, Canpotex is the exclusive offshore marketing company owned by the three Saskatchewan potash producing companies: Agrium Inc. (TSX and NYSE: AGU), Mosaic Canada Crop Nutrition, LP, a subsidiary of The Mosaic Company (NYSE: MOS), and Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc. (TSX and NYSE: POT).

Source: Canpotex