_______________________________________________________________________________________________ Michigan
Sugar
Suddenly , sugar beet processing companies began popping up all over Michigan .
Michigan Sugar Company was established in 1906 when six smaller sugar beet processing companies merged their operations . Today , the company is headquartered in Bay City and operates some of the oldest sugar beet processing facilities in the United States – one each in Bay City ( built in 1901 ), Caro ( 1899 ), Croswell ( 1902 ), and Sebewaing ( 1902 ).
These facilities are important economic drivers of Michigan ’ s Thumb and Great Lakes Bay regions , employing 1000 year-round employees and an additional 1100 seasonal workers . The company ’ s annual payroll is nearly $ 90 million , and its annual local economic impact is more than $ 700 million .
“ Michigan Sugar Company is the third largest of eight sugar beet processing companies in the United States and Michigan is one of 11 states where sugar beets are grown in the country ,” explained Neil Juhnke , Michigan Sugar ’ s President and CEO . “ We are blessed with having nutrient-rich soil in Michigan , some of the best on Earth , and a climate that is conducive to a long growing season with no irrigation needed , and proper storage of harvested sugar beets .”
Each year , Michigan Sugar ’ s growerowners plant and harvest about 140,000 acres of sugar beets in 17-to-20 Michigan counties , as well as Ontario , Canada . Those beets are sliced at the factories and turned into about 1.3 billion pounds of sugar annually . That sugar is sold to industrial , commercial , and retail customers under the Pioneer brand .
“ We are located within 300-to-400 miles of the largest sugar market in North America , and we have quick , convenient access to key in-state and interstate highway and water transportation routes ensuring on-time delivery to customers ,” said Juhnke . “ On the retail side of our business , we package
white granulated , light and dark brown , and powdered sugar . The Pioneer brand can be found on the shelves of stores in more than 15 states , including Costco , Gordon Food Service , Kroger , Meijer , and Walmart .”
Spotlight on sustainability
Construction of the new molasses
desugarization facility aligns perfectly with Michigan Sugar Company ’ s aspirations to
produce , package , and distribute world-class products while being a leader in corporate
and agricultural sustainability . Through environmental stewardship , progressive farming practices , safe and healthy workplaces , and service to the community , Juhnke says the company is committed to creating a responsible business model for its grower-owners , employees , customers , suppliers , and other stakeholders now and in the future .
2695
W . Vassar Rd , Reese , MI 800-833-6365 www . dht-inc . com
DHT Group , headquartered in Reese , MI , has been ensuring safety and satisfaction for more than 40 years . DHT also has facilities in Detroit , Sault Ste . Marie , and Port Huron , Michigan , and Bellefontaine , Ohio .
Wishing Michigan Sugar continued success !
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