MGP Ingredients and Ryan Transportation Service, Inc. Form Transportation Management Partnership

ATCHISON, Kan., Feb. 8, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MGP Ingredients, Inc. (MGPI) has formed a transportation management partnership with Ryan Transportation Service, Lenexa, Kan., as part of the company's strategic initiative to strengthen its world class customer service capabilities. Under this new arrangement, Ryan Transportation assumes a lead logistics role in managing all truck and rail carriers in servicing MGPI's North American customers, as well as ensuring the delivery performance for the company's inbound materials.

Ryan Transportation brings to MGPI extensive management reporting and tracking capabilities that will integrate seamlessly with MGPI's recently implemented SAP business reporting and management system. Through Ryan Transportation, MGPI will benefit from rail intelligence and rail fleet management services provided by Quality Transportation Services (QTS).

"Ryan Transportation provides the best resources to enhance our abilities to deliver superior services to our customers, while also increasing our logistics capabilities and efficiencies," said Cheryl Harrity, Corporate Director of Supply Chain. "We are very pleased to begin this relationship with such a well established and proven expert in this field. The MGPI-Ryan Transportation team will continue to collaborate on innovation and effectiveness in the distribution of our products to our valued customers in the consumer packaged goods industry."

Jeff Henderson, vice president of Ryan Transportation, stated, "We are very excited to partner with MGP Ingredients as their new transportation management provider. MGP Ingredients has a unique combination of needs spanning multiple modes and facilities. Our technology, in combination with QTS, will provide MGPI with dedicated service across all modes of transportation. Most importantly, this partnership will allow MGPI to achieve their best-in-class customer service goals and continuous improvement initiatives."

About MGP Ingredients

In business since 1941, MGP Ingredients, Inc. is a recognized pioneer in the development and production of value–added, grain-based starches, proteins and food-grade alcohol products for the branded packaged goods industry. The company has facilities in Atchison, Kan., and Onaga, Kan. that are equipped with the latest technologies to assure high quality products and to maintain efficient production and service capabilities. For more information, visit www.mgpingredients.com.

About Ryan Transportation Service

Founded in 1986, Ryan Transportation Service is a trusted provider of 3PL services located in Lenexa, Kan. Ryan Transportation has provided dependable transportation solutions for shippers throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. For 25 years, Ryan Transportation has specialized in creating customized freight solutions that meet its customers' needs, including truckload, transportation management, and LTL services. For more information about Ryan Transportation, visit www.ryantrans.com.

About Quality Transportation Services

Quality Transportation Service, a privately-held company headquartered in Ashland, Va., is the leader in Integrated Rail Logistics Management Solutions. With an ever-growing team of experienced transportation professionals serving a diverse group of customers in traditionally rail-served industries throughout North America, QTS continues to search for new and innovative ways to satisfy current customer needs and to anticipate the needs of the future. For more information about Quality Transportation Service, please visit www.qts.com.

CONTACT: Steve Pickman, MGP Ingredients, Inc.
         913-367-1480
         Anoland DeLeon-Cosse, Ryan Transportation Service
         913-310-2220

Released February 8, 2011