Palliser Plains Co-op is expanding its reach after members of the Craik and Palliser Plains Co-ops showed their desire for amalgamation in votes last Tuesday and Wednesday.

Terry Vanmackelberg, general manager of the Palliser Plains and Craik Co-ops, said 100 per cent of Palliser Plains voters and 97 per cent of Craik Co-op members voted in favour of the merger, which takes effect Dec. 1.

Amalgamation “strengthens the whole association, so for Craik especially the buying power (has increased) being part of a larger organization,” said Vanmackelberg. “Most of our members will have access to facilities in four communities.”

With the merger, Craik Co-op would be added to the Palliser Plains coverage area of Tugaske, Central Butte and Shamrock. The Co-op would have around 2,400 members, 56 employees working at the four branches and projected sales of $35 million in five years time.

Vanmackelberg said an important part of the amalgamation is the Craik Co-op is not currently in the agronomy business as far as chemical and seed, while Palliser Plains is heavily into these commodities. He said this merger then helps open “Craik territory for our agronomy services and chemical and seed.”