Carrington  (CSi)   Dakota Growers Pasta in Carrington, has announced plans for $2 million in upgrades to the grain receiving and facility at the plant to improve efficiency.

Dakota Growers was originally started as a cooperative operation owned by regional farmers. The plant began operation in 1993. The cooperative sold the plant in 2014 and it has been operated by private corporations including most recently, 8th Avenue.

Management of 8th Avenue Food and Provisions,the  parent company states:  “We plan on developing about 6 acres with a grain probe, grading and scales.” Plant Superintendent Jason Jarret  adds, “We want to improve efficiency so there is a shorter time on the site. On a busy day, we want to reduce time on site from one hour and 15 minutes to somewhere between 30 and 40 minutes.  It can put us in a position to improve plant capacity to provide flour to a Virginia pasta plant that 8th Avenue just acquired.”