Champlain Valley Milling opens high-tech facility

WILLSBORO — A far cry from the mills that lined the Boquet River, or those which used true horse power, Champlain Valley Milling unveiled its computerized high-tech facility.

On hand for the grand opening were an estimated 150 friends, relatives, townspeople, employees and their families, as well as Willsboro Town Supervisor Shaun Gillilland, State Assemblyman Dan Stec, State Senator Betty Little and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik.

Prior to the ceremony, Sam and Derinda Sherman gave the rationale for moving to the new site.

“In Westport we had expanded as much as we could and we were land-locked for any further ability to expand. Also, the industry is more conducive to a metal structure. We learned of the property in Willsboro being for sale and it had already been approved for an 80-foot height. Customer demands were growing and we could not meet them in the old facility. In addition, the Food Safety Act compliances dictated a move to a modern building to meet requirements.

“As far as employees, it’s hard to say just yet. Since we have at least tripled our milling capacity we will be pursuing to increase our market.”

They will be putting the former structure on the market.

“It was a lengthy process in closing on the property as well as finalizing the mill design and the large addition housing the milling equipment," the Shermans said of the transformation. "Coordinating various contractors to complete their work in designated time frames, since they are all pressed to do projects in weather friendly times, was another consideration. This created a domino effect for them and us as well.”

“Supervisor Shaun Gillilland deserves a lot of credit for many hours of assistance in making this become a reality, as well as his town board and Essex County IDA.”

HISTORY

About his history with Champlain Valley Milling, Sam Sherman explained, “I was managing the Champlain Seed Growers Co-op. Thus, we (my family) decided to purchase it when it needed to expand. I was raised on a farm in which my father, Richard, was growing organic grains.

“In 1965 I did not know I would be doing something like this. The industry as a whole has changed. I bought my first load of grain from a farmer in South Dakota. Doing business with farmers is a lot different. There’s a trust between us.”

While touring the plant, Sam pointed to the Rockwell control center.

“At this work station we can control everything. I can start the mills and the fans as well as the process.”

He also indicated that there are emergency shut-offs located at each level, so if something goes wrong they can stop production without having to run to the main controls.

“We can now mix flour blends which we could not do before. There is also a color sorter which recognizes things that are off in the mix. A blast of air shoots the impurities out. We have come a long way,” Sam said.

“We are overwhelmed by the interest," Derinda said. "It took three times longer and everything that could go wrong did. Shaun Gillilland was a great asset.”

Sam was most appreciative for all those who came and showed interest. He told of having to climb the 105 steps to the top level of the 83-foot silo.

"It’s great exercise. We have a chair at the top to rest.”

REACTION

“This is a big deal for our community. We knew we could make it work,” Gillilland said.

“Congratulations. This is a great asset for the town," Stec commented. "It’s good for any community. At the end of the day it’s a risk that must be taken.”

“This started as a small town business,” Little said. "They are way ahead of the game with organic products. People want to know where their food is coming from and how it is processed. Most importantly, they stayed in Essex County to help create an area to come to.”

“I am so excited with the number of people and the trust of the community," Stefanik said. "Knowing how competitive business is today, this is huge news for the agricultural sector.”

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Getting the financial ball rolling in May 2017, the Essex County Industrial Development Agency issued a $4,245,000 tax-exempt, fixed-rate bond to Champlain Valley Milling.

The Development Agency issues industrial revenue bonds for the benefit of local manufacturing companies. Montgomery Scott ("Janney") served as the sole underwriter on the privately placed bond issue, which was sold to a single investor.

The Series 2017 Bonds were issued for the purpose of financing the acquisition, construction, reconstruction, equipping and installation of buildings and building improvements and equipment, including land and fixtures, to manufacture grain into flour.

Champlain Valley Milling’s bonds were structured as a single-term bond due in 30 years, with an interest rate of 6.25 percent and semi-annual sinking fund payments starting in 2019 though maturity.

Champlain Valley Milling is the largest 100 percent organic flour mill in New York state. The company's products focus on organic flours and grains. They purchase local organic grains in New York, along with organic grains from Vermont as well as the Great Plains of the United States and western Canada. A large portion of the company's business focuses on producing "white flour," whole wheat flour and rye flour.

Among the whole grains produced by Champlain Valley Milling are wheat, rye and the ancient grains of spelt and emmer. Whole flours generated are whole wheat bread, whole wheat pastry, whole rye, whole pumpernickel, rye, whole spelt and whole emmer.

Email Alvin Reiner: rondackrambler@gmail.com