ECGC unveils state-of-the-art flour mill designed by Turkish firm Alapala
This landmark project completed exactly two years after breaking ground, was commissioned on February 19, 2025.
CARIBBEAN – The East Caribbean Group of Companies (ECGC) has officially inaugurated a state-of-the-art four-storey flour mill, a groundbreaking facility designed by renowned Turkish engineering firm Alapala.
This landmark project completed exactly two years after breaking ground, was commissioned on February 19, 2025, and subsequently transitioned to full independently staffed operations on March 3, 2025, marking a new era for ECGC.
According to the company, the four-storey mill is a product of Alapala’s world-class engineering expertise, which combines advanced design with sustainable practices to deliver unparalleled performance.
It is also equipped with cutting-edge automation technology from Brazilian manufacturer Sangati, making it the most advanced facility of its kind in the region.
The facility’s automation technology ensures precision and efficiency, enabling ECGC to extract more flour from the wheat milling process in less time while significantly reducing energy usage.
“This facility is a game-changer for the Eastern Caribbean. It is not only the largest and most efficient flour mill in the region but also a testament to our commitment to delivering high-quality flour at the best possible value to our customers,” said J. Robert Cato, ECGC CEO, highlighting the transformative impact of the new mill.
“Thanks to Alapala’s expertise and Sangati’s cutting-edge technology, we have built a mill that boosts our capacity by 35%, reduces electricity consumption by 15%, and ensures that households, bakeries, hotels, and restaurants across the region can enjoy superior baked goods made with our flour,” Cato added.
Founded in 1977, ECGC has expanded its holdings to include: East Caribbean Packaging (1981), East Caribbean Feeds (1982), East Caribbean Rice Mills (1988), Caricom Rice Mills (1990), and East Caribbean Bottlers Inc. (2014).
With a 35% increase in production capacity and a 15% reduction in electricity consumption, the new facility surpasses the capabilities of existing mills in St. Lucia, Grenada, and Barbados, setting a new benchmark for efficiency and innovation.
The new mill is poised to enhance the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)’s competitiveness in the global flour market. By increasing local production capacity, ECGC aims to reduce dependency on imported flour, strengthen food security, and provide more affordable products to consumers.
The company is already exploring strategic expansion opportunities, including the establishment of state-of-the-art warehousing facilities in St. Kitts & Nevis, Dominica, Antigua & Barbuda, and St. Lucia.
These climate-controlled warehouses will support feed and flour distribution centers, addressing the challenges posed by rising temperatures due to climate change.
The completion of the mill will be celebrated with an official ceremony in the second quarter of 2025 in an event poised to highlight ECGC’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and regional development.
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