The new ECGC Flour Mill opened on July 31, ‘ is the embodiment of a journey’ that is “ nearly five decades long”

The East Caribbean Group of Companies, ECGC, opened a new state-of-the-art flour mill at its Campden Park headquarters on Thursday, July 31, 2025.

The company said the opening of the mill was a landmark achievement and “marked a significant milestone for ECGC and the wider Eastern Caribbean region, underscoring a commitment to food security, regional development, and economic resilience”.

Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, who jointly cut the ribbon to officially mark the opening of the facility with the ECGC Chair P. Audrey Veira-DeFreitas, lauded the investment, highlighting its importance to the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean (OECS) sub-region OECS region’s rising economic power.

Attendees at the ceremony included the Minister of Agriculture, Saboto Caesar, other Members of Parliament, members of the diplomatic community, customers, and distributors from across the Caribbean.

“Today marks a moment of profound significance for ECGC and the region,” stated J. Robert Cato, CEO of ECGC.

“This facility stands as far more than steel, concrete, and machinery. It is the embodiment of a journey nearly five decades long—one defined by resilience, adaptation, and excellence through teamwork.”

The company said the opening of the new flour mill is a testament to the perseverance of the ECGC team, and a symbol of what can be achieved when a team is united by purpose. It expressed “deep gratitude” to its loyal customers, supportive suppliers, and dedicated distributors who play a crucial role in bringing ECGC products to every corner of the Eastern Caribbean. The company obtains over 70% of its revenue from exports.

At the ceremony, ECGC gave special recognition to its project team “for their tireless efforts in bringing the mill to life, as well as the broader ECGC family for their support during the transition”, and paid tribute to  its past leaders, in acknowledgement of their” foundational vision””.

In this vein, special recognition was given to the late Sir Phillip Veira, for  is pioneering effort in founding  the company in 1977.

The company also extended appreciation to its valued shareholders, these being:  Maple Leaf Canada, PH Veira Investments, and the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, for their continued belief and investment.

“This flour mill signals more than operational advancement; it is a symbol of what’s possible when a team is united by purpose. It represents food security, regional development, and economic resilience,” CEO Cato also pointed out, adding, “ It is an investment in the rising power of the OECS region,”

The company also reiterated that its true strength lies not just in infrastructure, but in the people and stakeholders who power the business. The new EC$10 million mill was designed by the Turkish firm, Alapala and equipped with Sangati automation. It is housed in a four -storey building. In earlier communication about the project, ECGC had stated the operation of the new flour mill will boost its production capacity by 35% , and reduce its  electricity consumption by 10%.