(QUINCY) - Demolition is underway at the historic Star of the West flour mill in Quincy following the facility's permanent closure earlier this year.
Frankenmuth-based Star of the West Milling Company ended operations at the site at the beginning of 2026, bringing an end to 163 years of flour production at what had been recognized as Michigan's oldest operating mill.
Company officials cited declining consumer demand for wheat flour, the mill's smaller production capacity and the cost of maintaining the Civil War-era building as reasons for the closure.
About 15 employees were affected. The company offered relocation opportunities at its plant in Ligonier, Indiana and at its headquarters in Frankenmuth.
While the historic mill building is being demolished, Star of the West plans to continue operating the site's grain elevator along the Indiana Northeastern Railroad line. The company's bulk truck washing station also remains in operation.
The Quincy mill site was long associated with the former McKenzie Milling Company and its regional pancake mix products.