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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
In 1906 George G. Robinson founded Lehi Roller Mills with a simple philosophy: Only the best wheat makes the best flour. And from that day forward, some of the finest flour in the country has been produced in Lehi, Utah.
Today, grandson Sherm Robinson runs the operation, adhering to that same philosophy. He selects each bushel of wheat by hand the way his father and grandfather did. And from there, it is tested to determine if it qualifies to be ground. Lehi Mills, by the way, runs one of the most extensive testing centers in the country.
Through the years, Lehi Mills' attention to detail and high quality production has enabled it to thrive when thousands of small mills were closing their doors forever. At the turn of the 20th century, several thousand small flourmills operated in the country. Fewer than 50 are still running.
During the past 15 years, Lehi Roller Mills has tripled its production. About 50 employees produce roughly 100,000 pounds of flour every day. High demand keeps the mill grinding six days a week, 24 hours a day. Most of the orders placed with the mill are for special flour or grain developed to the individual requirement of the customer. The flour is mainly sold to commercial bakeries such as Mama Maria's tortillas and Granny Sycamore Bread. Kentucky Fried Chicken has been a loyal customer for more than 40 years, using the Lehi flour in its special blend of herbs and spices.
Other clients, after discovering the benefits and high quality of Lehi's flour, regularly travel to the mill to purchase flour for their own kitchens. In fact, I was told of one client who travels from Indiana every summer.
The mill includes a store that sells a variety of mixes, toppings, bulk products and gift items. Its latest draw is a mix for pecan pie bars. The bars have been so popular that in just the first nine months since they were introduced the mill has already sold approximately 25,000 bags. Many of the mill's products, including the pecan bars, can easily be ordered through its mail order catalog or online at lehimill.com. And some are also sold at Associated Food Stores.
So, it is that only the best wheat makes the best flour. Lucky for us in Utah, the best flour comes from Lehi Roller Mills.
For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.
