Bay State Milling expands operations in Montana USA

USA—Bay State Milling Company, a prominent family-owned milling firm in the United States, has recently acquired the Montana Gluten-Free processing facility in Belgrade, Montana.

This acquisition, announced on September 17, 2024, marks a significant milestone for Bay State Milling as it aims to enhance its portfolio of gluten-free products.

The decision to fully integrate the facility follows years of partnership between the two companies, indicating a strategic move to strengthen their market presence in the gluten-free segment.

Walker Humphries, the newly appointed Senior Vice President and General Manager of Oat Milling at Bay State Milling, expressed enthusiasm about this development.

“We are thrilled to welcome Montana Gluten Free to the Bay State Milling family,” he stated. “This investment reflects our ongoing commitment to offering trusted, natural ingredients while connecting more closely with communities in this region.”

This sentiment highlights the company’s dedication to expanding its operations and fostering relationships within local communities.

The Montana facility specializes in processing SowNaked® Mindfully Farmed Oats, a unique variety of non-GMO hulless oats known for their high protein content—40% more than traditional oats.

These oats are cultivated and processed under strict gluten-free guidelines, adhering to the Purity Protocol.

This protocol ensures gluten levels remain below five parts per million (ppm), significantly lower than the FDA’s threshold of 20 ppm and the Gluten-Free Certification Organization’s standard of 10 ppm.

Ed Fish, Senior Vice President of Varietal Solutions at Bay State Milling, emphasized the importance of this acquisition for their product line.

“This acquisition unlocks the next growth phase for one of our most unique product lines,” he noted.

“We’re expanding our capacity for high-protein, gluten-free oats that adhere to the strictest standards—a key differentiator for our customers and their products.”

The decision to acquire the Montana facility aligns with Bay State Milling’s broader mission to provide nutritious and sustainable grain-based ingredients.

The company has been operational for 125 years and currently manages 13 locations across the U.S. and Canada.

The addition of this facility not only enhances their production capabilities and supports their commitment to environmentally friendly practices.

Because SowNaked oats naturally lack hulls—the outer shell of the oat plant—they require less energy during processing, resulting in a 50% reduction in carbon emissions compared to traditional oat processing methods.

SowNaked Oats are versatile and can be transformed into various products, including oatmeal, granola bars, cereals, oat milk, and baking mixes.

This flexibility allows Bay State Milling’s customers to create clean-label products that appeal to health-conscious consumers seeking gluten-free options.

Bay State Milling focuses on innovation and sustainability as part of its ongoing evolution in response to changing dietary preferences.

This commitment is reflected in its recognition as a U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte for two consecutive years and an honourable mention in Fast Company’s 2023 World Changing Ideas Awards for its HealthSense® High-Fiber Wheat Flour.

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