Navajo Pride Flour Mill to Reopen After More Than a Year

FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) — A flour mill owned by the Navajo Nation is reopening after undergoing renovations for more than a year.

Navajo Agricultural Products Industry officials announced Friday that the Navajo Pride flour mill will relaunch through a joint venture with a new company.

The Daily Times of Farmington reports New Mexico Milling LLC will operate the mill.

CEO Wilton Charley, who was named to the position in March, says the venture will mean hiring 20 employees.

Charley says the operation will generate $1 million a year in wages to run it.

New Mexico Milling CEO Bryan Ledgerwood says this is a rare opportunity to operate an independent mill.

Ousted NAPI CEO Tsosie Lewis said the closure was prompted by increased expenses and the need for upgrades.