Horizon Milling to Close 128-year-old Topeka Flour Mill

Company officials said that the Topeka mill, built in 1882, has served the company well, but the plant can no longer efficiently compete without extensive and costly equipment upgrades.

1 Feb 2010 --- Horizon Milling, LLC has announced that it will close its Topeka facility on or around Dec. 1, 2010. The site’s 56 employees have been informed of the forthcoming closure.

Company officials said that the Topeka mill, built in 1882, has served the company well, but the plant can no longer efficiently compete without extensive and costly equipment upgrades. However, Horizon Milling will continue its strategy of modernization and expansion of its key locations. Flour customers currently supplied by the Topeka mill will be supplied instead through other Horizon Milling facilities.

According to Horizon Milling president, Dan Dye, the company is continuously evaluating and upgrading the technology at its facilities. "As we looked at the antiquated Topeka mill, it made the best business sense to close the facility and focus on continued improvements in our other plants," he said.

Dye expressed gratitude to the mill's 56 employees for their contributions to Horizon Milling. "We very much appreciate their great work and commitment and will work closely with them to provide severance and work-transition assistance."

A leading U.S. flour miller, Horizon Milling, LLC is a joint venture between CHS Inc. and Cargill, Incorporated.