By Teena Monteleone

Prairie durum to be used in new Swift Current pasta plant

Oct 21, 2026 | 2:51 PM

Construction will start soon on a pasta plant to be built in the southeast part of Swift Current, Sask.

Southwest Terminal (SWT), a producer-led inland terminal, is behind the venture. The idea started rolling when SWT announced it was buying Solo Italia Fine Pasta based in Ogema in December 2025.

Robert Chapman, vice president of business development for Southwest Terminal and the general manager of Solo Italia said building a pasta plant in Swift Current makes sense.

“Very close to half of Western Canadian durum is produced within 200 kilometres of Swift Current. That’s where you can find your consistent quality durum available year in, year out,” he said. “We service the world, but we forget sometimes we don’t service at home by producing the same product at home. So, it will be produced fresh, frozen, flash frozen, and available in the frozen aisle in the grocery store.”

Chapman said consumers want food that is processed closer to home.

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“It’s not the sole reason that the project exists but helps to drive the project along. I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for a small company in southwestern Saskatchewan to take on the project.”

Planning has begun for the plant. Chapman said some site work has been done, and floor plans should be finalized in the next two weeks. He said there will be a few products that will be produced at the new facility.

“A flagship ravioli that will be produced and there will be a number of different flavors. They can be found in various grocery stores today across Saskatchewan,” he said. “We have eyes on moving outside of the province as well. It’ll be mainly frozen pasta in the new facility, which will give us an opportunity to enhance what we’re doing in Ogema on the pizza and bread side of the business.”

It’s a lofty goal, but Chapman said they are hoping to be up and running by spring.

“It will depend on the last of the equipment orders and how they come in with the tariffs around the world. Freight is a challenge, so moving things around is a bit of a challenge,” he said. “But we’re up for it. We will have it up and running latest, I would hope, by the end of May.”

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

by Teena Monteleone

Prairie durum to be used in new Swift Current pasta plant

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