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Headquarters:
One General Mills Blvd.
Minneapolis, MN 55426
Employees: 43,000
CEO: Kendall Powell
Stock Symbol: GIS
Website:
http://www.generalmills.com
Career Site
General Mills is a leading food company. People in over 100 countries turn to General Mills for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks including cereals, yogurt, granola bars and baking products.
The company is known for its top brands including Gold Flour, the No. 1 selling flour in the U.S. Other top brands include: Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Nature Valley, Hamburger Helper, Old El Paso, Fiber One and Cheerios.
Internationally, General Mills markets Häagen-Dazs, Yoplait and strong local brands, such as:
- Latina pasta in Australia
- Wanchai Ferry in China and Hong Kong
- La Salteña dough in Argentina
In fiscal 2014, General Mills reported net sales of $17.9 billion, a 1% increase, and net earnings of $1.82 billion. U.S. retail sales made up $10.6 billion of total sales.
General Mills sells products in more than 100 countries with offices or manufacturing facilities in more than 30 countries.
In September, General Mills announced plans to acquire Annie's, a leading producer of organic and natural food, for $820 million.
The company reportedly plans to cut 700-800 salaried jobs by 2015 along with an equal number of factory jobs.
History
The history of General Mills begins with
Cadwallader C. Washburn, who formed the Minneapolis Milling Company
to lease power rights to mill operators in 1856.
Ten years later,Washburn built his first
flour mill near the falls of St.Anthony on the Mississippi River
in Minneapolis. Although it was officially called the Washburn
"B" mill, critics dubbed it "Washburn's Folly,"
certain that the demand for flour from Midwestern spring wheat
would never grow to match the new company's supply.
John Crosby joined Cadwallader Washburn as a partner in the milling business in 1877, forming the Washburn Crosby Company. In 1928, several flour mills would merge with Washburn Crosby to form General Mills and it would soon become the largest flour miller in the world.
Benefits
Medical and Dental Benefits
General Mills provides a variety
of medical and dental benefits for employees and their eligible
dependents, which also includes same-sex domestic partners. You
are eligible for coverage on the first day of employment, and
coverage is available to employees in all locations.
Retirement and Savings Benefits
You are also eligible for the General Mills 401(k) Savings
Plan immediately after starting with the company. Our comprehensive
plan offers a variety of options:
- You can invest 1 to 30 percent of your pay in your 401(k).
General Mills will make a guaranteed match on a portion of your
contribution, and a potential additional match based on the annual
performance of the company.
- You are able to choose from a variety of managed investment
funds. You can also invest in individual stocks, bonds and mutual
funds outside the funds offered by the company.
- A loan feature is available if you need funds before you retire.
We also provide a pension plan and retiree medical plan for eligible
employees.
Stock Options and Ownership
We want our employees to share in our successes by owning
a portion of the company. The company match in the 401(k) is
in company stock, and our voluntary stock purchase program allows
another opportunity for ownership.
Certain management-level employees receive annual stock option
grants.
Flexible Spending Accounts
We offer two flexible spending accounts that allow you to
set aside a portion of your pay, pre-tax, to pay for out-of-pocket
expenses associated with health and child care.
Insurance
We also offer contemporary life insurance, long-term care,
legal, auto and homeowners insurance programs at competitive
rates, as well as company-paid short- and long-term disability
insurance.
Relocation Benefits
We want to make relocating as easy as possible. To help make
the move less stressful, we offer resources and financial reimbursement
for a variety of services. Our relocation benefits include a
house-hunting trip to your new location, household goods move,
and a temporary living allowance in your new location.
We will even help you sell your old house and help you purchase
a new home by providing mortgage counseling and assistance.
Educational Assistance
We encourage you to continue your education by reimbursing
employees for job-related courses. Educational loans and scholarship
opportunities are available for employees and their family members.
You may also be eligible for an unpaid leave of absence to further
your education.
Domestic Partner Benefits
Medical and dental coverage, life insurance and auto and
homeowner's insurance are available to same-sex domestic partners
of General Mills employees.
Vacation, Holidays and Summer Hours
New employees receive three weeks
of vacation per year. The number of vacation days available in
the first year is pro-rated based on your hire date. The amount
of vacation received increases with years of service. General
Mills also provides paid holidays each year.
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Minneapolis employees can take
advantage of summer hours, which allow you to work longer days
Monday through Thursday and work a half day on Friday.
Flexible Work Arrangements
Flexible work schedules, such as telecommuting, flextime
and part-time employment, are available where business conditions
allow.
Health Services
The Heath Services department at
the World Headquarters is staffed by registered nurses and physicians
during normal business hours. You can use the services for emergency
medical care as well as minor injuries and illnesses.
Health Services also provides dental and eye examinations, dermatology
services, free immunizations and referrals to physicians and
specialists.
Fitness Center
The state-of-the-art fitness centers at the World Headquarters
Main Office and our research facility make it easy to stay in
shape. They are open during normal business hours and feature
a variety of aerobic machines, strength equipment, exercise classes
and seminars on health and fitness.
Infant Care Center
This facility at the World Headquarters Main Office is staffed
with well-trained and experienced specialists in child development
through the Children's Home Society of Minnesota. The Center
cares for up to 36 children, ages 6 weeks to 16 months.
Updated September 30, 2014
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