SARANAC, Mich. — A western Michigan poultry farm plans to invest $43 million in its production facility to expand its organic and cage-free egg production by adding new egg-laying and pullet-growing capacity.
Saranac-based Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch, Inc. announced in April 2014 it was expanding its egg production and processing facilities, and that investment would lead to 50 new jobs. Last month, the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) announced Herbruck’s is getting a $750,000 grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund to support the effort. It is an increase of a previously awarded grant of $500,000.
The resulting grant will support a total investment of $76 million and the creation of 100 new jobs at Herbruck’s, according to The Right Place, a regional nonprofit economic development organization that aims to promote economic growth in western Michigan.
MEDC CEO Steve Arwood said, "Herbruck’s is an important employer in Ionia County, and (this) announcement means more jobs for area residents in years to come. Herbruck’s decision to further expand and invest here underscores Michigan’s business-friendly environment and talented workforce.
"It is through the efforts of the village of Lake Odessa, The Right Place and the Ionia County Economic Alliance that this expansion is taking place, and we are pleased to support the collaboration."
The latest expansion builds on the 2014 announcement, when Herbruck’s released plans for a $33 million expansion, including the investment of $1.5 million in a new public main sewer line tied directly to the Lakewood Waste Water Authority system. The company’s expansion of this sewer line, funded by Herbruck’s, will be available to any company along the line, and upon completion the $2 million pipeline will be donated to the community.
In addition to sewer line expansions, significant upgrades are needed at the Lakewood Waste Water Authority in Lake Odessa. The authority is operating near capacity and improvements must be made before the company can expand its operations in Ionia County, according to information from The Right Place. Herbruck’s is currently working with Lake Odessa and the Lakewood Waste Water Authority on upgrade plans.
According to a woman who answered the phone at Herbruck’s, company officials are not discussing the project further at this time. A message seeking further comments was not returned.
However, in a news release, Executive Vice President Herb Herbruck said, "Quality organic, cage-free eggs are in high demand and Herbruck’s is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this growth opportunity. We are very proud of our Ionia heritage and look forward to continued growth and investment in the community."
Jen Wangler, business development manager with The Right Place, added, "Herbruck’s growth and the resulting impact on the area’s wastewater system is indicative of the critical role infrastructure plays in our region’s ability to continue growing, expanding and creating jobs in Ionia County. We are thrilled that Herbruck’s continues to invest in Ionia County and is dedicated to being a good corporate citizen in the community."
Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch is a leading egg production and processing company based in Michigan and supplies retailers such as Meijer and Kroger. Operating in this location since 1958, it remains a family-owned and -operated business, employing about 400 people.
