Denver, Colorado-based flour-milling and ingredient company Ardent Mills is closing four plants by the end of the first quarter of 2020.
The company said the closures are necessary based on an analysis of current and anticipated demand and to enhance the efficiency of its network. Ardent Mills will operate and invest in the remaining 35 flour mills across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico.
The four plants impacted are Macon, Georgia, Loudonville, Ohio, and Red Lion, Pennsylvania, which will close effective June 30, 2019; Rush City, Minnesota, will close the first quarter of calendar 2020.
The company’s leadership is working to help impacted team members, including placement at other Ardent Mills locations, career support and other transitional assistance.
“These decisions are difficult, especially because of the impact on our valued team members. However, this is a critical step to put greater focus and investment on the rest of our plants,” said Dan Dye, CEO of Ardent Mills. “Our growth plan calls for strategic investments in our unmatched network of community mills; these changes allow us to grow accordingly and better meet customer needs.”
“Ardent Mills’ vision and values remain the foundation of our organization and will carry us forward,” Dye added. “Our dedicated team is committed to working closely with customers, farmers, and suppliers, and bringing innovation to the market with strategic moves like the introduction of The Annex by Ardent Mills. The future of grain-based solutions is filled with opportunities.”
Ardent Mills’ operations and services are supported by 38 flour mills and bakery-mix facilities along with a specialty bakery and Mobile Innovation Center, all located in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. Ardent Mills is headquartered in , and employs more than 100 certified millers, supporting thousands of local jobs and contributing billions of dollars to local economies.
