The Mennel Milling Company announced preliminary plans to support future growth at the Fostoria Flour Mill, including an expansion of existing rail infrastructure, packaging capabilities as well as warehousing footprint.

Headquarted in Fostoria, Ohio, Mennel has a more than 130-year history of milling wheat into flour. Although the company has traditionally produced and distributed flour in bulk quantities, such as rail car, semi-truck trailer, 2,000 pound super sacks, and 50 pound bags, with the recent shortage of family-sized flour the company will be investing in smaller pack sizes including 2, 5, 10, and 25 pound bags.

“This project represents a long-term investment in our operations, team and industry,” said Ford Mennel, President, The Mennel Milling Company. “I couldn’t be prouder of our team’s efforts to support and respond to the ever-changing needs of our customers, especially during these unprecedented times.”

Phase one of the project will include a 50,000 sq. ft. expansion of the packing and loading department and warehouse facility along Findlay Street in Fostoria, and is slated to begin later this month. Additionally, interior work of the current facility has already begun to accommodate the new equipment. Construction is expected to continue through 2021.

“Critical support from both community and industry partners have attributed to the overall feasibility of this project as well as the expedited timeline,” said Ford. “We’re sincerely grateful for assistance provided by Fostoria Economic Development Corporation, Regional Growth Partnership, JobsOhio, and  the Ohio Rail Development Commission for providing a generous grant toward the expansion of our rail infrastructure.”

Last year, Mennel added a new small pack system at the company’s flour mill in Logan, Ohio. This investment expanded the facility’s capabilities while diversifying product offerings across the company.