By Andi Anderson
King Milling Company, a stalwart of Kent County's business landscape since 1890, has marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of its state-of-the-art mill expansion. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new six-floor mill, boasting a $47 million price tag, heralds a new era of flour production in West Michigan.
With the capacity to churn out a staggering 800,000 pounds of flour daily, this expansion represents the largest single investment in the company's storied history. CEO Brian Doyle, representing the fourth and fifth generations of the family-owned business, expressed pride in King Milling's enduring legacy and commitment to excellence in flour manufacturing.
Situated along the scenic banks of the Flat River in Lowell, the newly expanded facility positions King Milling as a powerhouse in the flour industry. Now equipped with four mills collectively capable of producing 2.5 million pounds of flour per day, the company stands at the forefront of flour production in the United States.
The cutting-edge features of the new mill underscore King Milling's commitment to sustainability and efficiency. Incorporating LED lighting, premium efficient motors, and a sophisticated heat recovery system, the facility sets a new standard for modern flour mills nationwide. Notably, these advancements aim to reduce fossil fuel consumption, aligning with the company's environmental stewardship goals.
The expansion project received crucial support from the State of Michigan and the City of Lowell, underscoring the importance of public-private partnerships in fostering economic growth and innovation. Lowell's decision to halve the company's tax burden for 12 years reflects the community's investment in King Milling's expansion vision.
The Michigan Commission of Agriculture and Rural Development contributed $250,000 towards the project, further bolstering King Milling's expansion efforts. With over 60 dedicated employees, the company continues to uphold its legacy of quality and reliability in serving both bulk food processors and select retail outlets across the region.
As King Milling Company charts its course into the future, its investment in cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices reaffirms its commitment to excellence and innovation in the flour industry. With West Michigan poised to benefit from increased flour production capacity, King Milling stands as a beacon of progress and prosperity in the heart of the Great Lakes region.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: Michigan, Equipment & Machinery