General Mills in Lodi, California: A Historical Overview

Origins and Establishment

General Mills, a major American food company founded in 1928 and headquartered in Minnesota, expanded its manufacturing footprint across the United States throughout the 20th century[3][5]. On April 1, 1946, General Mills announced plans to build a new plant in Lodi, California, marking a significant industrial development for the city[4].

Operations and Economic Impact

The Lodi plant began operations on June 5, 1948. Its first major shipment was a carload of Cheerios, reflecting the company’s focus on breakfast cereals[1][4]. Over the decades, the facility expanded both in size and output, eventually employing around 950 people. The plant became a major local employer and a cornerstone of Lodi’s industrial sector.

At its peak, the Lodi General Mills plant produced a variety of iconic products, including:

Cheerios
Wheaties
Kix
Bisquick
Lucky Charms
Golden Grahams
Cinnamon Toast Crunch
Various Betty Crocker products[1]

Facility and Operations

The Lodi plant grew to encompass 1,200,000 square feet, making it one of the largest industrial sites in the region[2]. It was equipped for cereal and cake mix production, packaging, and distribution, with advanced processing and support equipment. The plant’s scale and operational complexity reflected General Mills’ commitment to innovation and efficiency in food manufacturing.

Closure and Aftermath

After nearly 70 years of operation, the Lodi General Mills plant closed in 2015[1][2]. The closure was a significant event for the community, given the plant’s longstanding economic and social role. Following the shutdown, the facility was sold to RRM Enterprises, which repurposed it as a distribution center for Bond Manufacturing Inc., an outdoor living product company[2].

Following the acquisition, a large-scale auction was held in late June 2016 to sell off the extensive food processing, packaging, and support equipment that had been left in place after General Mills’ departure. The auction was managed by New Mill Capital Holdings and Schneider Industries and included thousands of items, from production machinery to maintenance and support equipment[6]. This sale cleared out the remaining assets, enabling Bond Manufacturing to fully utilize the facility for its new operations.

According to the most recent information, the former General Mills site at 2000 West Turner Road remains an operational industrial property, serving as a key distribution and light manufacturing hub for Bond Manufacturing Inc. Bond Manufacturing utilizes the site for warehousing, product assembly, and distribution of lawn, garden, and outdoor living products. The facility, encompassing over 1.1 million square feet, remains an active industrial property, with Bond Manufacturing occupying a significant portion—approximately 300,000 square feet—for its operations[6].

In summary, as of mid-2025, the former General Mills plant remains an industrial property primarily used by Bond Manufacturing, with no major new developments or transformation projects announced for the site since its sale

Legacy

The General Mills plant in Lodi played a vital role in the city’s mid-20th-century growth, providing jobs and contributing to the local economy for nearly seven decades. Its legacy is reflected in Lodi’s industrial history and in the generations of residents who worked there[1][4].

Timeline Highlights

Sources

[1] General Mills : Lodi Historical Society : Free Borrow & Streaming https://archive.org/details/calodhs_000020

[2] Former General Mills Plant in Lodi, CA - New Mill Capital https://www.newmillcapital.com/newmill_news/former-general-mills-plant-in-lodi-ca

[3] Our History - General Mills https://www.generalmills.com/about-us/our-history

[4] Timeline | Lodi, CA https://www.lodi.gov/615/Timeline

[5] General Mills - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Mills

[6] Former General Mills Plant in Lodi, CA - New Mill Capital https://www.newmillcapital.com/newmill_news/former-general-mills-plant-in-lodi-ca/gmlodi/

[7] General Mills: A U.S. based food company. - General Mills https://www.generalmills.com

General Mills in Lodi