Welcome From Our Fifth Generation President & CEO
At The Mennel Milling Company, we are proud of our 140-year heritage and energized by the growth shaping our future.
We have adapted and evolved for more than a century because we believe in doing things the right way – with a focus on quality, uniformity and service. We measure our success not only by the quality of the custom products we produce, but by how well we understand and serve the unique needs of each customer.
At Mennel, we believe excellence is driven by more than our products and processes, it is powered by our people. We are dedicated to fostering a culture where hard work is valued, challenges are embraced, and going the extra step is simply how we operate. Your supply chain is our responsibility, not yours.
Through strategic investments, continuous improvement, and expanded capabilities, we are building an even stronger organization. Mennel’s commitment to innovation is evident in our robust portfolio of custom flours and bakery mixes as well as our ongoing work in research and development. We are responsive, adaptable, and focused on delivering flour and bakery mixes that meet exact specifications, perform consistently, and arrive on time.
As a progressive company with a rich history, we are also committed to being a good steward of our environment, our communities, and our people. As a fifth-generation family-led company supported by more than 1,000 dedicated employees, Mennel remains grounded in our values while looking ahead with purpose.
There is a Mennel difference. It's about bringing you our best every day. We invite you to partner with us and experience it firsthand.
D. Ford Mennel
President & CEO
The Mennel Milling Company
Flour is Our Foundation
Since 1886, Mennel has been dedicated to proudly milling wheat, delivering more than a century of unwavering service to a wide range of customers in the flour milling, bakery mix, and foodservice industries across the U.S. and around the world.
From the very beginning, our flagship mill in Fostoria, Ohio, stood as a symbol of innovation and ambition. With a capacity of 1,500 barrels, we operated the largest flour mill in the country not located on water – an achievement that reflected both our ingenuity and grit. Originally known as The Harter Milling Company, the business entered a new era in 1917 when Alphonse Mennel and his sons, Louis and Mark, acquired a controlling interest and laid the groundwork for a lasting legacy.
In 1958, Donald M. Mennel stepped into leadership as the third-generation president, guiding the company with vision and resolve. Under his direction, Mennel expanded its milling and grain operations, strengthening its position in the industry. His forward-thinking commitment to soft wheat and specialty flours helped define the company’s path, shaping a legacy that continues to drive the Mennel team today.
In 1983, Donald L. Mennel assumed leadership of the company, carrying the legacy forward. He championed investment in research and development, advancing wheat and flour production processes while building state-of-the-art facilities designed to lead the industry. During his tenure, the company expanded its transportation network and grain assets, building some of the most modern and efficient mills in the country at the time.
Today, D. Ford Mennel represents the fifth generation of Mennel leadership. Since taking the reins in 2013, he has guided the company into a new era of growth and vertical integration. Under his leadership, Mennel has expanded its portfolio through strategic investments, including the acquisition of transformative flour mills and bakery mix assets. He led the company in investing in warehousing and logistics and other ventures that continue to strengthen and broaden the company’s capabilities.
Supplying our flour mills for just one day requires 3,400 acres of wheat. Our state-of-the-art flour mills produce a full range of hard, spring and soft wheat flour, while our many grain elevators handle wheat, corn and soybeans. Beyond milling, Mennel has grown into an agile, integrated operation, producing bakery mixes, operating trucking companies, maintaining a truck repair garage, and providing maintenance and warehousing services.
Even with this growth and innovation, Mennel remains deeply rooted in what matters most: its people. As a family-owned and operated company, our enduring success is a direct reflection of the generations of individuals who have brought dedication, pride, and craftsmanship to their work each day, building the culture that defines Mennel today.
Learn more about Our History and see how we've strategically grown through the years.
Committed to a Stronger Future
At Mennel, sustainability and community impact are rooted in the way we do business. From supporting local communities and investing in our employees to advancing responsible operations and environmental stewardship, we are committed to making a positive impact that extends beyond our products.
Our Sustainability and Community Impact Report highlights the progress, partnerships, and initiatives that reflect our dedication to building a stronger future for our customers, employees, communities, and generations to come.
Mennel Sustainability & Community Impact ReportStrong Foundation, Meaningful Opportunities
Join a company built on generations of stability, teamwork, and opportunity.
At Mennel, our people are the foundation of our success. Built on generations of stability, integrity, and innovation, we are committed to creating a workplace where employees can grow, succeed, and build rewarding long-term careers.
We foster a culture focused on teamwork, safety, respect, and continuous improvement while offering opportunities for career advancement, professional development, competitive benefits, and meaningful work that supports communities across the country.
