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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Herbruck Poultry Farm Plans Poultry Farm Upgrade in Saranac, Michigan

06/18/2015
Herbruck Poultry Farm has been awarded an incentive by the Michigan Strategic Fund to support its expansion in Ionia County, Michigan. The project is expected to generate $44 million in investment and create 50 new jobs.

“Herbruck is an important employer in Ionia County, and today’s announcement means more jobs for area residents for years to come. Herbruck’s decision to further expand and invest here underscores Michigan’s business-friendly environment and talented workforce,” said Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO Steve Arwood. “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 this collaboration.”

Herbruck Poultry Ranch, Inc. is a family owned egg producer headquartered in the Village of Saranac. In April 2014 the company announced it was expanding its egg production and processing facilities, investing up to $33 million and creating 50 jobs.

As a result, the company was awarded a $500,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant. The company now has the opportunity to expand its organic and cage-free egg production to meet the needs of the marketplace, investing an additional $44 million and adding new 50 jobs. As a result of the increased job creation, Herbruck’s previous MBDP grant has been increased to $750,000 from $500,000.

“Quality organic, cage-free eggs are in high demand and Herbruck’s is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this growth opportunity,” said Herbruck Poultry Ranch Executive Vice President Herb Herbruck. “We are very proud of our Ionia heritage and look forward to continued growth and investment in the community.”

According to state economic development officials, in order to proceed with the new expansion, waste water upgrades will be made to the Lakewood Waste Water Authority in the village of Lake Odessa, which is almost at capacity. As part of its previous expansion, the company used its MEDC grant funds and invested its own $1.5 million in addition to its original grant to build a sanitary sewer pipeline to connect two more of its egg processing facilities to the Lakewood Waste Authority treatment system.

Once completed, the $2 million pipeline will be donated to the Authority. This will further increase the rural infrastructure and enhance growth potential in the area. Local residences and business will be able to hook up to this system, and the investment and expansion of this line also provide the possibility of additional economic growth in the area.

The Ionia County Economic Alliance, in partnership with The Right Place, played a critical role in connecting Herbruck to the right resources at the right time to ensure the company’s continued growth and success in Ionia County.

“Herbruck’s growth and resulting impact on the area’s waste water system is indicative of the critical role infrastructure plays in our region’s ability to continue growing, expanding and creating jobs in Ionia County,” said Jen Wangler, Business Development Manager, The Right Place. “We are thrilled that Herbruck’s continues to invest in Ionia County and is dedicated to being a good corporate citizen in the community.”

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