USA – Archer Daniels Midland company has announced that it is relocating its sales and commercial staff members of its milling division from Overland Park, Kansas, U.S. to its North American headquarters in Decatur, Illinois, U.S.
According to a World Grain report, ADM’s Overland Park employees will relocate to Decatur while others will remain at the Overland Park offices.
The report further indicates that the global food and commodities company is looking to eliminate some of the positions mostly in administration and transportation.
This is part of plans to restructure its global business with the move expected to strengthen the company’s core business and establish its leadership in global nutrition.
Reuters had earlier reported that ADM was considering voluntary early retirement and job cuts available to eligible employees in North America.
The company had said the voluntary early retirements are among a range of actions it is taking between now and June 30 to improve productivity, growth and service to customers.
Responding to a Milling & Baking News inquiry, Jackie Anderson, director of external communications with ADM, said the change was part of “continued strategic alignment and investment in ADM’s North American Milling business.”
“Overall services are not being cut from milling,” she said.
“Customers will actually see enhanced services and capabilities as a result of this move.
“We combined our corn processing and wheat milling business under one business unit last year, and we see significant synergies and benefits in combining the sales and commercial teams in one office location as well.
“Our milling risk management, trading and technical service teams will continue to be based in Overland Park.”
Strategic realignment
The realignment, announced in March included division of ADM’s business units into four segments — Carbohydrate Solutions, Nutrition, Oilseeds and Origination.
Christopher M. Cuddy was named head of Carbohydrate Solutions which include corn and milling businesses while Mark L. Kolkhorst was last year appointed to lead the business transformation effort.
Anderson said ADM plans to sell the office building occupied by ADM Milling.
Speaking on strategic business investments and progress, Christopher M. Cuddy said: “We see tremendous potential in our milling business and are making significant capital investments to grow the business long term.
“Last year, we completed the modernization of our mill in Enid, Oklahoma, and we expect to begin operations at our new high capacity, modern mill in Mendota, Illinois, later this year.
“Realigning our resources and taking advantage of other synergies within our Carbohydrate Solutions business unit help put ADM Milling in an even better place to thrive and grow long term.”
