On the surface, Kelley Bean is an employee and family owned company founded in 1927 that processes and sells the dry edible beans which are sourced directly from its local community of grower partnerships.
But beneath the standard company bio, we are something more.
There is a humanity to our work where care and concern for our growers, our employees, and our customers is likened to that of an extended family.
We have a strong commitment to quality and safety and their relation to the Kelley family name and the family names of our employees. There is a rare authenticity here where trust, reliability, history, and values still hold meaning.
We choose our relationships carefully as the investment in our relationships represents long term thinking – long term thinking over generations.
We invest in the numerous small communities around the country we call home and our employees wear such hats as mayor, city councilman, Chamber of Commerce President, and hospital board member among others.
Agriculture is the root of our success and our employees provide the strength for our continued growth. The success of our customer is the fruit of our labor. We are dedicated to safely and affordably feeding the World, our community, and you.
Kelley Bean traces its roots back to the founding of the Chester B. Brown company in 1927 where Robert L. Kelley Sr. was plant manager of the Morrill, Nebraska facility. In the early 1940’s, Robert Kelley was promoted to President of the company, a position he held until 1969.
In 1970, Robert L. Kelley Sr. left Chester B. Brown to form Kelley Bean Company. His son’s Gary, and later Bob, joined him to help run the family’s new business.
In 1982, under Gary Kelley’s leadership, the Kelley Bean and Chester B. Brown companies merged to form a reunited Kelley Bean Co., Inc.
In 2006, under Bob Kelley’s leadership, Kelley Bean acquired ConAgra’s dry bean operations. Eleven other acquisitions over the years have formed one of the largest originators and processors of dry beans in the U.S.
Today, a forth generation led by Kevin Kelley, is in place and poised to grow the company well into the future. Ask any of the Kelleys and they will tell you that none of this would have been possible without the dedication and hard work of the world’s best group of employees and growers.
We have come a long way. Enjoy a trip back in time as we look at how far we have come since our humble beginnings in 1927.
Here are some of the significant events that have shaped our company into what it is today– One of the largest originators and processors of dry beans in the U.S.
Chester B. Brown Co. is founded with Robert L. Kelley Sr. as a key employee.
Robert L. Kelley Sr. becomes General Manager of Chester B. Brown Company.
Chester B. Brown Company leases the first Electric Eyes from ESM (Electric Sorting Machine Company.) These were the first eyes in the bean industry West of the Mississippi. The technology was so advanced that ESM would not sell the eyes, only lease them.
Robert L. Kelley Sr. was promoted to President (and General Manager) of Chester B. Brown Company.
First Cello-Pak retail packaging machine purchased.
Acquisition of Scottsbluff Bean & Elevator.
Acquisition of seed facilities in Idaho.
Gary L. Kelley joined the Chester B. Brown Company.
Robert L. Kelley Sr. leaves Chester B. Brown Co. after 42 years.
Robert L. Kelley Sr. & Gary L. Kelley found Kelley Bean Co. in Henry, NE.
Gary L. Kelley becomes President of Kelley Bean Co.
Robert L. Kelley Jr. joins Kelley Bean Co.
Acquisition of Harpstreith plants in Mitchell, NE and Lyman, NE.
Acquisition of Chester B. Brown Co. and merge into Kelley Bean Co.
Kelley Bean launches their Employee Stock Ownership Program.
Acquisition of Farr, Wyoming Co and Farmers Elevator.
Acquisition of McBride Warehouse, Elmore Bean and Nebraska Elevator.
Acquisition of Deaver Grain.
Acquisition of Prairie Products Elevator.
Robert L. Kelley Jr. becomes President of Kelley Bean Co.
Establishment of the Michigan Sales Office.
Acquisition of KBC Trading & Processing, a division of ConAgra Foods.
Kelley Bean makes first export sale to Cuba since the late 1950's.
Kelley Bean launches internally developed P.A.S.S. System - a GFSI certified food safety and quality system.
Kevin L. Kelley becomes President of Kelley Bean Co. to lead the third generation into the future.
Acquisition of Yellowstone Bean Company.