Portland-based Bob's Red Mill to double distribution space

After 16 years at Gramark Industrial Park on Southeast International Way in Milwaukie, Bob's Red Mill simply needed more space.

The Portland-based producer of natural whole grain products will move its distribution facility a mile down the road to Commerce Park. The move will mean Bob's Red Mill will nearly double its warehouse and distribution capacity from about 34,000 square feet to almost 65,000 square feet.

Dennis Gilliam, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Bob's Red Mill, said the need for space reflects the company's double-digit growth over the past few years. He said the company's recent success is actually due to the slow economy.

When times are tough, people move away from the more esoteric, more frou-frou foods and move back to the basics where they perceive a full value and good nutrition, Gilliam said. People are looking for...