QUINCY, MASS. — The Bay State Milling Co. has entered into an agreement to acquire T.J. Harkins Basic Commodity Brokers, Inc., Bolingbrook, Ill. T.J. Harkins is a supplier of sesame and edible seeds, sweet spices, ancient grains, specialty grain flours and grain blends. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
“Bay State Milling’s strategic intent is to be the preferred partner and provider of specialty solutions for grain-based foods,” said Pete Levangie, president and chief operating officer of Bay State Milling. “Adding the T.J. Harkins’ product line, sourcing capabilities and talent to our growing list of offerings will accelerate our realization of that goal.”
The combination of T.J. Harkins’ organic subsidiary, H.P. Schmid/Organic Planet, and Bay State Milling’s portfolio of organic wheat, durum and spelt will create a comprehensive line of organic ingredients, including sesame and edible seeds, cinnamon, ancient grains, grain blends and a wide range of organic flours, according to Bay State Milling.
When the acquisition is completed, Dan Collins, president and chief executive officer of T.J. Harkins, will become executive vice-president of business development at Bay State Milling and will play a role in growing the company through the development of ingredient solutions for key customer accounts.
Bay State Milling is the fifth largest wheat flour milling company in the United States, with total daily capacity of 81,000 cwts, according to the 2012 Grain & Milling Annual. The company also has 4,300 cwts of daily durum capacity and 2,400 cwts of rye capacity.
The acquisition is scheduled to be completed on Aug. 31.