SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, U.S. — Pacific Coast Canola, a subsidiary of Legumex Walker Inc., announced on March 6 that it has appointed Ken Scheuer to the position of plant manager of the company's canola crushing plant, which is currently under construction in Warden, Washington, U.S. 

Scheuer will assume his duties with the company effective March 19.

"The canola industry is about 35 years old; Ken's been running canola crushing operations for about two-thirds of that time," said Kevin Raymond, Pacific Coast Canola vice-president and general manager. "He brings us a wealth of experience in our industry, including his most recent job of overseeing the commissioning, start-up, and operation of a new canola and soy crushing facility.  We're delighted to welcome him aboard and look forward to his contribution as a leader of our PCC team."

"Demand for canola products is growing at an aggressive pace and this project is well-timed and well-located to benefit from that trend," Scheuer said. "I'm eager to work with the construction team to build out a wonderful facility and with the management team to staff and train our workforce and to bring this plant to life. That's a special experience and I'm truly excited to be a part of it."

With the hiring of a plant manager, the Pacific Coast Canola senior management team is in place, said Joel Horn, president and chief executive officer, Legumex Walker. 

"This is another important milestone in our progress as we continue to advance construction of the plant toward commencing operations in early 2013," he said.

Horn added that the Warden project remains on time and budget and that above-ground construction has commenced at the site. 

Prior to joining Pacific Coast Canola, Scheuer was plant superintendent/manager at TRT-ETGO in Becancour, Quebec, Canada, where he was responsible for managing the commissioning, start-up, and operation of a new canola and soy crushing and refining operation. 

From 1985 to 2010, Scheuer held a number of positions at Bunge Canada, Canada's largest oilseed processor, capped by 20 years as plant manager in charge of canola processing at the company's Nipawin, Saskatchewan, Canada, processing facility.  Altogether, Scheuer has nearly four decades of experience in the agricultural sector and is a Certified Management Accountant.