QUINCY, MI — Six months after Star of the West announced the closure of its flour mill operations, demolition of the mill began this week, marking a new chapter for the site.
Company President and CEO Jim Howe emphasized that Star of the West is committed to Quincy, where it purchased the 163-year-old mill operation 45 years ago.
“Our Vice President of Flour Milling, Karina Spencer, will soon visit Quincy to share exciting announcements.
“These plans will benefit the Quincy area, our employees, and the community,” Howe said, while keeping specific details confidential for now.
Howe explained, “it’s a very old structure, but today’s food safety standards require us to upgrade to more modern facilities.”
Located along the Indiana Northeastern Railroad, the Quincy mill was Michigan’s oldest operating flour mill, a point of pride in the middle of the community.
The Frankenmuth-based company recently opened a state-of-the-art mill in Ligonier, Indiana.
The age of the Quincy facility and its relatively small production capacity made continued operation uneconomical, the company said.
Renascent Demolition crews began dismantling the wood-and-metal buildings and removing materials on Thursday, May 28, drawing attention and interest from the community.
A large extension crane removed a reinforced concrete tower while crews sprayed water to minimize dust, ensuring a safe and efficient process.
Howe noted that Renascent Demolition previously removed an older mill for the company in Indiana.
The large concrete silos remain. Company trucks still use the property.
Howe said don’t believe social media or “What you hear at the gas stations.”
“We have exciting plans for the Quincy property and look forward to sharing more details soon,” the company president stated.
Contact Don Reid, dReid@USATodayCo.Com
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: What’s next for Star of the West in Quincy?
Reporting by Don Reid, Coldwater Daily Reporter / Coldwater Daily Reporter
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
