TOPEKA, Kan. — In January 2010, Horizon Milling announced that it would close its Topeka mill in December. Today, the company announced that the mill's last day of production will be Dec. 17, 2010. A small number of employees will remain at the facility through January 2011 to remove equipment.
According to company officials, the 129-year-old mill has served the company well, but the plant could no longer efficiently compete without extensive and costly upgrades. Demolition crews are expected to begin work in February.
Horizon Milling will continue its strategy of modernization and expansion of its key locations. For example, the company is currently working on the expansion of its mill in Newton, Kan. Flour customers currently supplied by the Topeka mill will be supplied through other Horizon Milling locations.
Horizon Milling president, Dan Dye, expressed gratitude to the mill's 56 employees for their contributions to the company. "We appreciate their hard work and commitment, and are working closely with them to provide severance and work-transition assistance," said Dye.
As a tribute to the Topeka community, Horizon Milling will make a $10,000 donation to the local Junior Achievement organization, which it has been involved with for several years. In addition, the company has offered to donate some of the mill's equipment to Kansas State University.
About Horizon Milling, LLC
A leading U.S. flour miller, Horizon Milling, LLC is a joint venture between CHS Inc. (www.chsinc.com) and Cargill, Incorporated. Horizon Milling combines the expertise of a global food ingredients manufacturer with the supply assurance capabilities of a national, farmer-owned cooperative to provide customers with innovative, flour-related product and service solutions. For more information, visit http://www.horizonmilling.com.
Source: Cargill, Incorporated