LAKE ODESSA –

A mammoth poultry farm near Ionia – you can see it west of I-96 – will get even

bigger thanks to a $500,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance

grant.

The Michigan

Economic Development Corporation Wednesday announced that Herbruck Poultry Farm

has been awarded an incentive by the Michigan Strategic Fund to support its

expansion in Ionia County, a project that 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 MEDC Chief Executive Officer 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 is a family owned egg producer headquartered in the village

of Saranac (Ionia County). 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.”

In order to

proceed with the new expansion, waste water upgrades will be made to the

Lakewood Waste Water Authority in 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.”