GUILFORD, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- One town's loss is now another town's gain. After being vacant for almost four years, the Pride Manufacturing plant in Guilford has been sold to the Little Lad's Bakery of Corinth.
Larry Fleming opened the bakery with his wife thirteen years ago and has been trying for the past year to acquire the plant, which used to manufacture wood products such as golf tees and furniture. The sale closed June 16 and Fleming has been working with the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to see what renovations need to be made. "Right now we're just looking at the first phase of what we need to do to have this set up and approved," says Fleming. "We brought in the department of health. They're very excited about the building and see its potential."
Little Lad's Bakery makes and distributes healthy foods all over the world that are made without any animal products. They include such things as popcorn, granola, ice cream, and other baked goods. According to Fleming, his goal is to help people in making healthier food choices. "Basically we're not just like a food manufacturer," says Fleming. "We're 7th Day Adventists who are interested in making food that is better for people."
The Corinth based bakery currently has 12 employees, who include both part-time and full-time positions. Fleming plans on hiring several new positions when he makes the move to the Guilford site. And according to him, that move could come as early as December.
This isn't Fleming's first business venture either. He also owns the Little Lad's restaurants which are located in Portland and New York City.
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