Minnie Marie Bakers, Inc., an established company with a rich 113-year history, is in the process of finalising the closure of its production plant located in Livonia. The planned shutdown is scheduled for September 30th or a later date, pending the company’s ability to continue fulfilling customer orders. Unfortunately, this decision will have an impact on the livelihoods of 93 dedicated employees. It’s worth noting that these employees will not retain the option to transfer to other plants operated by Minnie Marie Bakers, Inc.
The origins of the bakery in Livonia trace back to the year 1910, when the Awrey family relocated from Ontario to Detroit. In its early days, Elizabeth Awrey began by selling a variety of baked goods like cookies, cakes, and pies, all prepared using the family’s coal-fired oven. This humble venture eventually evolved into a full-fledged baking business, offering an extensive range of delectable pastries, cakes, cookies, and brownies.
Throughout the course of the 21st century, the company encountered financial challenges on multiple occasions. Notably, Awrey Bakeries found itself seeking bankruptcy protection in February 2005. In a turn of events, Monomoy Capital Partners, LLC, in collaboration with Hilco Equity Management, LLC, stepped in five years later to acquire the company for an approximate sum of $25 million. This acquisition marked the establishment of ABI Holdings Inc., which took ownership of the rebranded entity, Awrey.
In a subsequent chapter, specifically in November 2012, Awrey Bakeries faced the prospect of releasing 157 of its employees if a suitable buyer for the business could not be identified. Following a temporary cessation of operations in February 2013, an investor group led by Jim McColgan came forward in the same month to acquire the business. Under new ownership, the company was rechristened as Minnie Marie Bakers, Inc.
