Bay State Milling, one of the largest family-owned milling companies in the U.S., has announced the acquisition of Bay State Milling Montana, marking the latest expansion in the company’s network of 13 milling and processing facilities across the U.S. and Canada. This acquisition is part of Bay State Milling's strategic growth initiative to enhance its lineup of natural, innovative food ingredients.
Walker Humphries, recently appointed Senior Vice President and General Manager of Oat Milling, will oversee operations at the Montana facility. “We are thrilled to welcome Montana Gluten Free to the Bay State Milling family,” said Humphries. “This investment underscores our commitment to delivering trusted, natural ingredients while connecting with communities in the region.”
The Montana facility processes SowNaked® Mindfully Farmed Oats, a non-GMO hulless oat variety with 40% more protein than traditional oats. These oats, grown and processed according to the gluten-free Purity Protocol, are handled through a specialized supply chain ensuring less than five parts per million (ppm) of gluten—far below FDA and Gluten-Free Certification Organization standards.
Ed Fish, Senior Vice President of Varietal Solutions, highlighted the significance of the acquisition. "This unlocks the next phase of growth for one of our most unique product lines," said Fish. "We're expanding our capacity for high-protein, gluten-free oats that adhere to the strictest standards, providing a competitive edge for our customers."
The facility’s SowNaked Oats require less energy to process due to their natural hulless quality, reducing carbon emissions by 50% compared to traditional oats. Available in groats, flakes, and flour, these oats are used in products like oatmeal, granola, oat milk, and baking mixes, offering consumers nutritious, environmentally friendly, gluten-free options.
The acquisition further strengthens Bay State Milling’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and expanding its offerings of clean-label ingredients.
