Joseph Rank

Joseph Rank's name preserved on the former Baltic Flour Mill (now Centre for Contemporary Art) in Gateshead.

Joseph Rank (28 March 1854 – 13 November 1943) was the founder of Joseph Rank Limited, once one of Britain's largest flour milling and bakery companies. He built his company into a leader in all aspects of the industry including the operation of Flour Mills, Bakeries and Retail outlets. After Rank's death in 1943 the company continued to grow under his son's stewardship before merging with Hovis MacDougall in the 1960s to form Rank Hovis McDougall (RHM).

Career Born in Hull and educated at the Reverend Haynes's School in Swinefleet near Goole, Joseph Rank initially joined the family milling business.

In 1875, he established his own business when he rented a small windmill. and also supported the Hull Royal Infirmary. He gave more than £3.5 million to Methodist charities.

He died at his home in Reigate Heath on 13 November 1943.

Family In 1880, he married Emily Voase and together they had three sons and three daughters, one of whom was J. Arthur Rank, 1st Baron Rank. He married again in 1918, this time to Annie Maria Witty.