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Brief History
CMI Terminal Ltd. is a producer group based out of Naicam and Spalding, formed in December of 1997, specifically to investigate the possibility of building an economically viable Grain Terminal in the Naicam - Spalding area.
Canadian Pacific Railway was contacted to see that if a facility were to be constructed, would the support be there for the elevator? Extensive negotiating with CPR led to a lucrative agreement for the Terminal, ensuring this rail line long life and competitive rail rates.
The producer group then met with several major Grain Companies. Agricore (an amalgamation of Alberta Wheat Pool and Manitoba Wheat Pool) was found to be the organization that best fit CMI Terminal Ltd.'s criteria. CMI Terminal Ltd. was seeking a partner with strong grain handling and marketing skills, proven ability in elevator design and construction, no local rationalization plan which conflicted with the facility location, and a partner with economic viability in export terminal ownership.
CMI Terminal Ltd. and Agricore co- developed a business plan, and upon completion, a Joint Venture Agreement was drafted.
The Joint Venture Agreement certified the building of an 18,000 tonne Inland Grain Terminal, located 2 miles North of Spalding and 4 miles South of Naicam. CMI Terminal Ltd.'s Board of Directors has complete confidence they picked the right partner with Agricore United, and are pleased with the flexibility and control the Joint Venture Agreement offers.
The 10.6 million dollar facility is equally financed by CMI Terminal Ltd., through a public share offering, and Agricore. The balance is financed through a long-term debt.
CMI conducted an offering of shares to the public and were successful on April 15, 1998. A team of 19 salespeople was formed, from original parties, and newly interested parties, to sell shares into the CMI Terminal. The sales team, headed by Eric Ponath, met weekly on Tuesdays until the share offering closed on April 15, 1999.
On April 15, 1999, the Terminal became a reality.
This reality was achieved partly through many long hours and dedication from President Ron Loyns, the Board of Directors; Fred Draude, Barry Archibald, Richard Dauk, Rob Parry, Victor Perrot, Dean Crozon, and CMI's Sales Manager, Eric Ponath, along with the 19 salespeople that he headed.
Construction of the Terminal began in the spring of 1999, and was completed by the fall of 2000.
With construction underway, the task remained of finding people to operate the facility. The Board Members named Brian Ungar the General Manager, Jackie Buhs Controller and Jerry Willner as a Marketing Rep.
The three worked out of a small office in Naicam until the Terminal was completed. As the completion date of the terminal drew nearer, Derek Patterson, Andrew Kolbeck, Don Hardy, Jim Weber, Janice Quale, and Tim Robinson were hired to fill the remaining positions.
The official grand opening of the CMI Terminal J.V. was held October 21, 2000. In attendance was Agricore United, the R.M. of Spalding #368, the Town of Naicam, the MLA office, Jim Pankiw the local M.P., CPR, CGC, and the CWB.
The completed all-concrete Terminal has the capability of spotting 56 cars, with an ability to expand to a loading capacity of 112 cars. The facility has full drying capabilities for all grains, coupled with a cleaning line for wheat, barley, and oats. It can store 18,000 metric tonnes (680,000 bushels). The Terminal is also equipped with 2 receiving bays, one with a 120 foot, 100 tonne receiving deck scale, along with an 800 tonne per hour overhead receiving and loading scale. 7 cleaners give the Terminal the ability to clean up to 80 tonnes (3000 bushels) per hour.
The first year of operation was an exceptional year for the CMI Terminal J.V. as they handled 155,000 tonnes of grain, and were able to pay out a dividend to their shareholders.
In 2003 CMI began selling certified seed. A bulk seed facility, with 800mt storage and a seed treating system, was put in place. The Proven line of canola seed was also retailed. Regan Crone was hired as seed manager. In the fall of 2004, construction began on CMI’s expanded CPS facilities. A 1200mt volumetric dry fertilizer blending plant was built along with a 2400sq ft heated chemical and seed shed. Troy Leicht was hired as AG Sales Manager. The Grand Opening of the CPS facilities was held on April 18, 2005.
Present day CMI Terminal J.V. now employs 16 full-time employees. CMI Terminal J.V. offers strong Malt Barley, Warburton Wheat, and Canola programs to producers. The staff encourages you to come out and discover what CMI Terminal J.V. can do for you.
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