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Canadian agribusiness Richardson International is investing $220 million to modernise its Wesson Oil site in Memphis, Tennessee. The project will see the company replace the existing refinery with a new refinery plant, helping to meet growing global demand for vegetable oil. Once completed, the new refinery will “modernise the site and significantly increase production and refining capacity". In addition, a substantial reduction in water, energy and wastewater volumes will also be achieved through improved efficiencies. Tobias Dewey, VP of oilseed operations at Richardson, said: "The Wesson Oil facility in Memphis provides Richardson a strong retail brand and a great location supported by a very dedicated team of employees. Collectively, these elements provided the confidence to support meaningful investment and innovation in the Memphis plant's operations – including significantly expanding our industrial and foodservice offerings." Darrell Sobkow, EVP of processing, food and ingredients at Richardson, added: "We seek opportunities for enhancing our capabilities and providing an increasingly efficient means for meeting the needs of our food ingredient customers and a broader consumptive marketplace".