Bay State Milling, Quincy, Mass., says it’s buying T.J. Harkins Basic Commodity Brokers, Inc. and subsidiaries. Both companies are focused on providing nutritious and affordable ingredient solutions for grain-based foods. Bay State says the combination provides a secure supply chain and comprehensive product offerings to customers of both organizations, as well as a synergy of technical expertise across a wide range of product applications and ingredients, including the high-quality and distinctive flours and grain-based blends that Bay State Milling has provided for more than a century.

“The Bay State acquisition of T.J. Harkins will bring an unrivalled platform of grains, edible seeds, specialty flours and organic ingredients to the market. We feel this union provides the perfect legacy in the continuation of our company’s values and vision” says Dan Collins, president and CEO of T.J. Harkins.

Harkins is located in Bolingbrook, Ill., and has a sales office in San Francisco and a distribution facility in Miami.

Collins will become executive vice president of business development at Bay State Milling and will play a leading role in growing the company through the development of ingredient solutions for key customer accounts. The combination of T.J. Harkins' organic subsidiary, H.P. Schmid/Organic Planet and Bay State Milling's position as a leading miller of organic wheat, durum and spelt will create a comprehensive portfolio of organic ingredients including sesame and edible seeds, cinnamon, ancient grains, grain blends and a wide range of organic flours.

“Bay State Milling’s strategic intent is to be the preferred partner and provider of specialty solutions for grain-based foods.” says Pete Levangie, president and COO of Bay State Milling Co. “Adding the Harkins’ product line, sourcing capabilities and talent to our growing list of offerings will accelerate our realization of that goal. In addition, our shared values associated with customer intimacy, employee engagement and nutrition provides a solid foundation for innovation and growth.”