Processing plant started by director James Cameron closes in Vanscoy

A pulse processing facility, originally brought to Saskatchewan by Oscar-winning director James Cameron, closed its doors in Vanscoy last week.

Ingredion Incorporated, an Illios-based company that took ownership of Cameron’s company Verdient Foods Inc., submitted a plan to cease operations in the village 30 km southwest of Saskatoon.

Robin Odnokon, Mayor of Vanscoy, said the closure did not come as a complete surprise to her.

“(It’s) a bit of shock, but not a huge amount,” she said. “There’s been rumours for the last six months or so.”

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In a document submitted to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, Ingredion Incorporated committed to a plan that would stop operations at its pulse processing facility in Vanscoy, Sask.

The facility stopped operations on Jan. 6.

“The decision to cease operations of the Vanscoy manufacturing facility was made after a strategic review of this business,” read the document. “Approximately twenty employees work at the facility.”

The document indicated the food processing company plans to sell the facility and the property.

Odnokon said the facility’s closure will have an effect on the community, but close to half of the processing plant’s employees commuted from Saskatoon.

“There’s always a disappointment in any business that does have to close its doors,” she said. “Hopefully they can find a buyer that can revitalize it and bring more economic growth.”

In 2020, Ingredion acquired the remaining portion of Verdient Foods Inc. owned by Cameron and his wife, Suzy Amis.

Cameron has directed films like Terminator, Titanic, and Avatar.

In 2017, Cameron and his wife visited Vanscoy to launch the company and processing facility.

Odnokon said the launch was one of her first big projects within the village as mayor.

“It was kind of surreal,” she said.

At the time Cameron said he hoped to show the world how profitable pulse crops could be.

“Both of us are so excited about working here for years to come, decades to come, with smart, conscious and innovative people who care about the earth,” Suzy Amis said.

Odnokon remembers speaking with Cameron’s wife about the project calling it “very close to her heart.”

Ingredion facilities produce protein concentrates and flours from peas, lentils and faba beans.

The company’s exit plan said approximately $1 million USD is expected to help pay for employee-related costs, severance, and other termination-related costs.

We have reached out to Ingredion Incorporated for more information.