Sunnyland Mills Celebrates 75 Years

FRESNO, Calif.In 2010, Sunnyland Mills celebrates its 75^th anniversary as a producer of whole-grain bulgur wheat products. Founded in 1935 by brothers George and Jivon Perch, Sunnyland was purchased in 1976 by two more brothers, Carl and John Orlando. In 1995, the third set of brothers, Mike and Steve Orlando, purchased the company.

Sunnyland Mills began as the Sunnyland Bulghur Company in a small building on Gearhart Avenue in Fresno. In those days, whole white wheat was cooked in large iron pots over an open flame and then dried in the hot summer sun. Today, Sunnyland uses the sun to produce 40% of its electrical needs with its own solar farm on its property at the current building that was constructed in 1993.

Steve Orlando, President, says: The lessons we learned from the two prior ownerships are simple and still valid today: Put out a top quality product, treat our employees as equals and be thankful for loyalty and friendships in our customers.

Mike Orlando states: Bulgur wheat is one of the oldest whole grain products known to man.  People are recognizing its importance and nutritional value in breads, side dishes and center of the plate entrees.  We are blessed as a family and are successful because of the hard work of those who came before us.

Sunnyland Mills produces whole grain bulgur wheat in five different grinds and whole kernel bulgur. Pearled products include pearled white wheat, pearled durum wheatGrano and pearled organic white wheat. Sunnylands certified organic bulgur is the only organic bulgur produced in North America.