P&H Milling Group is the milling operation of Parrish and Heimbecker (P&H) Limited, a Canadian, family-owned agribusiness, with roots in the agriculture industry since 1909. “As the only flour mill east of Montreal, our Halifax Mill has been a vital hub since 1968,” says Lloyd Heimbecker, CEO of P&H Milling Group and Executive VP Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited. “Our prime location at the Port of Halifax allows us to efficiently serve not just the Atlantic provinces, but also the Eastern United States and various export markets including Iceland, Peru and Cuba.”
Over the years, P&H has grown—and so has its impact on Nova Scotia. “We’ve witnessed considerable growth and transformation, transitioning to 24/7 operations to meet growing customer demand for locally produced, high-quality products,” says Heimbecker. “Today, we supply approximately 85 per cent of the flour for all baked goods in Atlantic Canada and are poised to increase production by nearly 30 per cent.”
Operations and efficiency
According to Heimbecker, P&H Milling produces 12 tonnes of flour every hour—the equivalent of approximately 240,000 loaves of bread. This level of production meets the growing demand for high quality bulk flour, animal and fish feed, and grain-based products in Nova Scotia.
The mill’s efficiency rests on the expertise of their dedicated team. “Our Halifax Mill team consists of nearly 50 dedicated employees, many of whom have been with us for decades, including a senior miller with over 40 years of experience,” says Heimbecker. “Our team’s expertise and 24/7 operations enable us to consistently produce high-quality flour in a variety of flexible formats, including bags, totes and tankers which serve a diverse clientele from commercial bakeries to grocery stores, restaurants and large industrial bakeries.”
In addition to their dedicated team, P&H relies on their facilities and prime location to maximize efficiency. “Our six-story facility features advanced machinery designed to optimize every step of the milling process, ensuring that our products meet the highest standards,” says Heimbecker. “Logistically, we use our own fleet of trucks for local deliveries, while our export products are shipped via containers from the Port of Halifax—a strategic hub that allows us to serve both domestic and international markets.”
Sustainability
Sustainability is “ingrained” in operations (pun not intended) at P&H Milling, says Heimbecker. “All by-products from the milling process are repurposed and sold as feed for regional livestock and fish farms,” says Heimbecker.
P&H is also focused on reducing overall energy consumption. “By operating the mill 24/7, we are not only increasing production efficiency but reducing our overall power draw,” says Heimbecker.
The mill’s location also helps support their sustainability efforts. “Our strategic and central location at the Port of Halifax enables us to be logistically efficient, minimizing transportation emissions, while allowing us to source Canadian-grown wheat, ensuring that our supply chain supports and sustains local agriculture,” says Heimbecker.
Supporting local and making an impact
The team at P&H Milling recognizes the impact they have in Halifax and beyond. “Our Halifax Mill plays an integral role in the region’s supply chain, directly and indirectly supporting jobs, regional economic growth, and the production of high-quality products destined for local and global markets,” says Heimbecker.
Being able to support local is key to the P&H Milling team. “We are deeply committed to the communities where we operate and proud to supply 85 per cent of Atlantic Canada’s flour,” says Heimbecker. “From bread, to cake, to pitas and pies, the products on store shelves can be traced back to flour milled locally in Halifax.”
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