Flour miller and ingredient manufacturer Ardent Mills said Friday that it plans to close four flour milling facilities in the U.S. to increase the efficiency of its network. On June 30, the company will shutter mills in Macon, GA, Loudonville, OH, and Red Lion, PA. Another mill in Rush City, MN will close in the first quarter of next year. 

“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,” Dan Dye, chief executive officer of Ardent Mills, said in a company press release. “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 said it will offer workers impacted by the decision placement opportunities at other company facilities, career support, and other assistance. The company is working with its customers to ensure that the transition goes smoothly. 

“Ardent Mills’ vision and values remain the foundation of our organization and will carry us forward,” Dye said. “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. 

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