From humble beginnings as a one-man grain merchandising operation in Kingston, Ontario through to today’s international, multi-enterprise corporation, James Richardson & Sons, Limited has been propelled by its pioneering spirit and visionary leadership.
Since 1857, JRSL has flourished because of its ability to recognize potential and seize exciting new opportunities. It continues to stand out as one of Canada’s most enduring and significant family-owned businesses, with the story of its pioneering spirit one that transcends time.
1857
Before Confederation, James Richardson founded a grain merchandising business in Kingston, Ontario. While the Firm has since evolved, it still bears his name today.
1860
James Richardson was assisted by his sons George and Henry. By 1868, they acquired sufficient capital to buy a wharf and warehouse on the Kingston waterfront.
1870
James Richardson & Sons arranged direct shipping by what was known as the “mosquito fleet”: assorted sailing ships whose owner-captains acted as company grain agents.
1890
JR grain office and staff, including one of the Firm’s first female employees, are shown on Commercial Wharf in Kingston.
1896
The Firm’s first representative in Western Canada was permanently located to an office in the recently-formed Winnipeg Grain & Produce Exchange in downtown Winnipeg.
1897
The Richardson terminal in Kingston could carry 250,000 bushels with the best available equipment for storage and transfer.
1916
James Richardson surveyed 25 miles of frozen shoreline on foot seeking a location to build a port terminal in 1912, and four years later, the Firm announced plans to construct a grain terminal in Port Arthur (what is now Thunder Bay).
1925
JRSL moved into the investment securities sector. A year later, it joined the Montreal Stock Exchange and in 1927, acquired the Winnipeg office of the Wall Street brokerage of E.A. Pierce & Co.
1927
Beginning with a small radio station in Moose Jaw, the Firm began broadcasting as a means of reaching farm customers with news, weather conditions and stock prices.
1929
Winston Churchill and James A. Richardson visit the Winnipeg Grain Exchange. The men continued to correspond about the nation’s bright economic future, including the prospect of expanding oil production in Alberta.
1930
James A. Richardson formed Western Canada Airways Limited and Canadian Airways Limited, the largest air transport companies in the country.
1938
James A. Richardson, as Chancellor of Queen’s University, and Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King conferred an Honorary Degree on US President Franklin Roosevelt.
1940
James A. Richardson tragically passes away at the age of 53. With his sons still too young to take over the business, his widow Muriel Sprague Richardson steps up to become the Firm’s fifth President.
1944
Muriel Richardson oversaw the Firm’s growth for the next 27 years, including during the Second World War. In addition to protecting the job security of those serving their country, she introduced a pension plan and group life insurance years in advance of other Canadian companies.
1957
At JRSL’s 100th Anniversary gala celebration, Mrs. Richardson paid tribute to her predecessors at the Firm, “to whom we owe so much.”
1965
The Firm announced plans to build a new complex on the corner of Portage and Main, which would include a 30-storey office tower, concourse and hotel. It opened in 1969.
1974
The Firm invested in Canada’s oil future by investing and later purchasing Marine Pipeline Construction of Canada. In the 1970s, the company built the first 42” pipeline, and constructed the first commercial natural gas pipeline north of the 60th parallel.
1979
A 112,000-metric tonne Pioneer Grain port terminal was officially opened in Vancouver. It was capable of loading ships at 140,000-bushels per hour.
1980
Tundra Oil & Gas Limited, a new oil exploration and production venture, starts with a modest, 8-well operation in southwestern Manitoba.
1982
Richardson Securities of Canada merged with Greenshields Inc. of Montreal to form Richardson Greenshields of Canada.
1989
Tundra Oil & Gas Limited purchased Manitoba Oil and Gas, making the company the third largest oil producer in Manitoba.
1999
Richardson International acquired Canbra Foods Ltd., a fully-integrated canola processing and packaging facility in Lethbridge, Alberta, marking the company’s foray into food processing.
2003
Tundra made a major oil discovery near Sinclair, Manitoba, leading to an aggressive and extensive drilling program as well as enduring economic benefit for the community.
2007
Active and retired personnel from across Canada joined with the Richardson family in celebrating the Firm’s 150th Anniversary.
2007
Richardson International seized an opportunity to grow its grain-handling business by 60 per cent with the acquisition of Agricore United assets.
2010
Richardson International officially opened its canola processing plant in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. The plant has since been expanded to become the largest, most efficient canola crushing facility in the world.
2012
Richardson International participated in the largest-ever acquisition in Canadian agriculture history with the sale of Viterra, making Richardson the largest grain handler in the country.
2015
A shareholder in Wynward Insurance Group (formerly Grain Insurance and Guarantee Company) since 1903, JRSL acquires 100% ownership of the company on June 1, 2015.
2016
Kingston Midstream (formerly Tundra Energy Marketing Limited) acquires the 2,100-kilometre South East Saskatchewan Pipeline System from Enbridge Income Partners for $1.075 billion.
2017
Richardson International expands its oat milling business with the acquisition of Bedford, England-based European Oat Millers, the largest oat miller in the UK.
2018
True North Square, a partnership venture between JRSL and True North Sports & Entertainment Limited opens in downtown Winnipeg. Plans for the mixed-use development includes four high-rise towers designated for retail, restaurants, and office use; residential units and a luxury hotel.
2019
Richardson International grows its food and ingredients business with the purchase of Wesson®, a leading U.S. retail brand of canola and vegetable cooking oils, and the associated production facility in Memphis, TN.
2020
JRSL announces the acquisition of Bison Transport, a Canadian transport company providing a wide range of transportation, warehousing and logistics services throughout North America.
2021
Richardson International announces the strategic acquisition of Italgrani USA Inc., the single largest durum flour and semolina miller in North America.
2023
Richardson International enters the global malting market with the acquisition of Crisp Malt from Anglia Maltings (Holdings) Limited of Norfolk, England. The deal includes six malting facilities in the UK and two in Europe.
2023
Kingston Midstream expands with the purchase of Rangeland Midstream Canada Limited, securing the Marten Hills pipeline system in north central Alberta’s abundant Clearwater formation.
2024
Lombard Hospitality Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of JRSL, announces the purchase of the Fairmont Winnipeg hotel. Originally developed and owned by a subsidiary of JRSL until 2000, the hotel will, once again, be part of JRSL’s Richardson Centre at the historic intersection of Portage & Main.
2025
Richardson International acquires the pasta business of 8th Avenue Food & Provisions, Inc., expanding Richardson’s North American presence and connecting its position in durum origination and milling to pasta production.
Richardson Foundation
Growing Communities
The Richardson Foundation focuses on helping create sustainable futures for registered Canadian charitable organizations in the Visual and Performing Arts, Education, Youth Initiatives and Environmental Issues.
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