QUINCY, MI (WTVB) – The historic Star of the West flour mill in Quincy is undergoing demolition following its permanent closure.
Frankenmuth-based Star of the West Milling Company ceased operations at the site at the beginning of this year, ending a 163-year history of flour production at Michigan’s oldest operating mill.
Company officials cited flat consumer demand for wheat flour, the facility’s relatively small production capacity, and the mounting financial challenges of maintaining a Civil War-era structure as the primary drivers behind the decision.
The closure impacted roughly 15 local employees, who were offered relocation opportunities to the company’s modernized plant in Ligonier, Indiana, or its headquarters in Frankenmuth.
While the iconic 1863 mill building is being razed, agricultural activity has not disappeared entirely from the site.
Star of the West intends to continue running its modern grain elevator alongside the Indiana Northeastern Railroad line, allowing regional farmers to still deliver locally grown wheat.
The company’s bulk truck washing station also remains operational.
Longtime Branch County residents view the teardown as the end of an era, recalling when the site was widely celebrated under the McKenzie Milling Company banner for producing a famous regional pancake mix.
Comments