Natural Ovens Bakery— A “Whole” Lot of Firsts

Shell construction was completed in December 2001.

Shell construction was completed in December 2001. (vitophoto.com)

This Monolithic Dome, with its diameter of 220 feet, height of 65 feet and wall thickness of 23 inches at its base, is the first such dome in America designed as a manufacturing plant.

This Monolithic Dome, with its diameter of 220 feet, height of 65 feet and wall thickness of 23 inches at its base, is the first such dome in America designed as a manufacturing plant. (vitophoto.com)

The bakery currently has a staff of 58. The entire facility is in full view of the mezzanine/office level.

The bakery currently has a staff of 58. The entire facility is in full view of the mezzanine/office level. (vitophoto.com)

Valparaiso bakery does a full line of Natural Ovens’ products, those units include breads, bagels, muffins, rolls, cookies, cereals and mixes.

Valparaiso bakery does a full line of Natural Ovens’ products, those units include breads, bagels, muffins, rolls, cookies, cereals and mixes. (vitophoto.com)

The bakery currently has a staff of 58 in three departments: production, packaging and sanitation.

The bakery currently has a staff of 58 in three departments: production, packaging and sanitation. (vitophoto.com)

Paul Stitt, who has an M.S. degree in biochemistry and is the author of several books related to nutrition, together with his wife Barbara, founded Natural Ovens Bakery in 1976. Their purpose was to establish production of “fresh, filling and satisfying, preservative-free whole grain food in the Midwest”.

Paul Stitt, who has an M.S. degree in biochemistry and is the author of several books related to nutrition, together with his wife Barbara, founded Natural Ovens Bakery in 1976. Their purpose was to establish production of “fresh, filling and satisfying, preservative-free whole grain food in the Midwest”. (vitophoto.com)

Everything from the ingredients that go into their products, to their equipment and facility at Natural Ovens is top-of-the-line.

Everything from the ingredients that go into their products, to their equipment and facility at Natural Ovens is top-of-the-line. (vitophoto.com)

Natural Ovens has a suspended mezzanine deck upstairs that allows a clear view of the entire production area.

Natural Ovens has a suspended mezzanine deck upstairs that allows a clear view of the entire production area. (vitophoto.com)

The clear-span, open production area promotes good team work and cooperation among employees and departments.

The clear-span, open production area promotes good team work and cooperation among employees and departments. (vitophoto.com)

Natural Ovens reports the building is very energy efficient. They have no A/C except for in a few offices, and no heating system installed. They are able to maintain temperature with one large exhaust fan at the top of the dome.

Natural Ovens reports the building is very energy efficient. They have no A/C except for in a few offices, and no heating system installed. They are able to maintain temperature with one large exhaust fan at the top of the dome. (vitophoto.com)

In July 2001, this Airform, manufactured by Monolithic, was inflated and construction began on the dome shell.

In July 2001, this Airform, manufactured by Monolithic, was inflated and construction began on the dome shell. (vitophoto.com)