Horizon Milling, Kenosha, Wis., says it will boost its whole-wheat flour capacity in Kenosha with a facility expansion later this fall. When the project is complete, Horizon Milling says it will double current overall whole-wheat flour capacity. The business currently produces whole-wheat flour at its facilities in Ogden, Utah; Mankato, Minn.; and Mount Pocono, Pa.

"This increase in whole-wheat capacity reflects consumers' growing desire to incorporate more whole grains into their diets," reports Dan Dye, president of Horizon Milling. "We are expanding our ability to help our customers formulate great-tasting, wholesome and nutritious products that today's consumers are seeking for themselves and their families."

The company says that whole grains are beneficial because whole-grain products deliver nutrients, such as iron, magnesium, selenium, B vitamins and dietary fiber. Diets rich in whole grains may help support heart health and a healthy weight. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that at least 50% of all grains consumed be whole grains.

Some 67% of Americans report that they consider whole grains when making decisions about buying packaged foods, according to the International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation's 2012 Food & Health Survey.

By expanding its whole-grain capacity, Horizon Milling says it will continue to help U.S. schools meet the new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) rules that require all grains served in school meals to be whole grain-rich within two years. On average, 32 million lunches and 12 million breakfasts are served to children each school day.