News Summary
Grain Craft has announced its expansion through the acquisition of Bunge’s North American dry corn milling facilities, adding six new locations and approximately 600 employees. This strategic move boosts Grain Craft’s production capabilities and product offerings, positioning it as a major player in the milling industry. The acquisition aligns with ongoing trends in the food sector towards consolidation and specialization, and it strengthens Grain Craft’s commitment to serve various sectors including bakeries and restaurants.
Chattanooga, TN – Grain Craft, the largest independent wheat flour miller in the United States, has officially expanded its operations by acquiring the North American dry corn milling facilities from Bunge. The acquisition, which was announced in April, was completed on Tuesday and includes approximately 600 new employees and six milling facilities.
This strategic move marks a significant expansion for Grain Craft, which previously employed around 465 individuals, including 35 at its corporate headquarters located in the Craftworks building on Main Street, Chattanooga. Following this deal, the company now has a total of 21 milling locations across the country.
The facilities acquired in the deal include dry corn milling operations situated in Illinois, Kansas, and Nebraska. Additionally, Grain Craft has gained dry masa facilities in Indiana, Iowa, and Texas, along with a packaging facility in Mexico and a warehouse in California. CEO Pete Frederick expressed anticipation about the integration of the new corn milling team and the broader product offerings that the acquisition will enable.
Grain Craft stands as the third-largest wheat flour miller in the U.S., supplying bulk and bagged wheat and corn flour suitable for a variety of sectors, including bakeries and restaurants. The acquisition of these new assets not only enhances their production capabilities but also aims to strengthen their ability to provide a wider array of food ingredients to their customers.
Bunge, a publicly traded global leader in grain and oilseed processing, has a long-standing history in the U.S. corn milling industry, dating back to its acquisition of Lauhoff Grain Co. in 1979. The decision to sell the corn milling facilities resulted from Bunge’s strategic review, which indicated a need to concentrate on core operations more closely aligned with its global value chains.
Grain Craft was formed in 2014 through the merger of Milner Milling, Pendleton Flour Mills, and Cereal Food Processors. In 2022, the company underwent a significant change in ownership when it was purchased by Redwood Capital Investments but continues to function independently. This latest acquisition is poised to amplify Grain Craft’s market position significantly within the flour and food ingredient industry.
Geographically, the closest Grain Craft milling facility to its headquarters in Chattanooga is located in Rome, Georgia. Moreover, it operates three additional mills in the Southeastern United States, capitalizing on its strategic location to better serve its customer base.
Bunge currently employs approximately 23,000 employees and maintains a robust operational presence with around 300 facilities across more than 40 countries. The acquisition of Bunge’s corn facilities marks a transformative step for Grain Craft, allowing the company to diversify its product offerings and enhance operational capabilities.
As the food industry continues to evolve, Grain Craft’s commitment to expanding its product range and enhancing operational efficiencies positions it well for future growth. The acquisition not only signifies a substantial growth milestone for the firm but also reflects broader trends in the milling industry towards consolidation and specialization.
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga-Based Grain Craft Adds 600 Employees
- Wikipedia: Grain Milling
- American Ag Network: Grain Craft To Acquire Dry Corn Milling Assets From Bunge
- Google Search: Grain Craft
- Baking Business: Grain Craft To Be Acquired By Redwood Capital
- Google Scholar: Grain Craft Acquisition
- Food and Beverage: Bunge To Sell North America Corn Milling Business To Grain Craft
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Corn
- Vermilion County First: Bunge Announces Sale Of Numerous Facilities To Grain Craft
- Google News: Grain Craft Bunge
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
