Savage Cos. merges with Kansas City-based grain and milling operation

Salt Lake City-based Savage Cos. has announced a merger with Barlett and Co., a grain and milling operation of Kansas City. As a supply chain provider, Savage specializes in rail, truck and marine transportation, logistics, materials handling and other industrial and environmental services from its Utah headquarters.

The merger will result in a new combined entity, Savage Enterprises, the companies said in a release. Together, Savage and Bartlett have more than 180 years of experience providing transportation, logistics and materials management services for customers across multiple industries, with a focus on energy and agriculture.

Established in 1946, Savage has more than 4,000 employees in over 250 operating locations across the United States, Canada, Mexico and Saudi Arabia. It serves companies in oil refining, power generation, railroads, food and agriculture, oil and gas, mining, chemicals and petrochemicals, ports and terminals and construction.

“We’re thrilled to join forces with Bartlett, an established industry leader, and look forward to the opportunities for continued growth and success this new organization makes possible,” said Kirk Aubry, Savage president and CEO. “By combining the operational and market expertise of both companies with our shared values of integrity, safety and reliability, we’ll grow stronger together and thrive for generations.”

Bartlett has been operating since 1908 and has 760 employees at 30 facilities throughout the United States and Mexico. Bartlett is a diverse agribusiness focused on the acquisition, storage, transportation, processing and merchandising of grain and is a leading exporter of grain to Mexico from the United States. The new entity will include Bartlett’s grain and milling businesses.

“Partnering with Savage makes sense logistically and strategically and we couldn’t be more excited at this opportunity to combine our strengths for the benefit of our customers and partners,” said Bill Fellows, Bartlett president and CEO. “Our customers and partners can count on our continued commitment to provide exceptional service with the same great teams and working relationships they’ve come to trust.”

Both Savage and Bartlett are family-owned and among the largest privately owned companies in their fields, Aubry said. “Leaders and teams from both companies are committed to serving customers as they have in the past and the businesses will continue to operate under both the Savage and Bartlett names,” he said

The merger is expected to be completed in August and terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Upon completion of the merger, employees from both companies will continue to work from their current locations. Bartlett chairman James Hebenstreit will join the board of directors of Savage Enterprises and become its vice chairman. Fellows will continue to lead Bartlett as president and CEO and will also join the board. Aubry will serve as president and CEO of the newly formed parent company.