HEBRUCK'S POULTRY RANCH
Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch to complete major expansion in Ionia County
and Dean for Industrial Education and WorkforceTraining, MontcalmCommunity College. “As well, this project may not have happened if there wasn’t adequate support for the necessary roadway improvement.” This latest expansion builds on a previous announcement in 2015 when Herbruck’s released plans for a $43 million expansion, including the investment of $1.5 million in a new, public main sewer line tied directly to the Lakewood system. Infrastructure plays a critical role in our region’s ability to continue growing, expanding, and creating jobs in Ionia County. The Right Place advocated for Herbruck’s growth plans and helped build critical support for the project.
family farm, Herbruck’s is proud to call Ionia County home and we’re thankful for the assistance provided by the Ionia County Economic Alliance, The Right Place, MEDC, and many other partners to help us expand and create additional jobs.” The MEDC is supporting the expansion through a $523,280 Michigan Development Block Grant. These funds will support road infrastructure enhancements, including upgrading toHaynor Road and Rector Road to Class A (all-season) access, enabling increased truck traffic. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD) and Easton Township are also supporting the project with grants. The expected cost of the road enhancement phase is just over $1 million with $898,000 in grants. Herbruck’s will invest an estimated $150,000 for the road project. “The Ionia County Economic Alliance and The Right Place have maintained a longstanding relationship with Herbruck’s and understand the complexities of bringing together multiple local and state agencies to support growing businesses,” said Susan Hatto, current ICEA Chair,
Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch recently announced the construction of three new cage-free pullet-rearing facilities in Ionia. As a result, they’ll be investing $16.3 million and creating 33 new jobs. The Ionia County Economic Alliance (ICEA), The Right Place, Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), and other state and local partners worked in partnership to convince Herbruck that Ionia County was the place to invest. The expansion will take about three years to complete, and calls for significant investments in equipment and construction. Once finished, Herbruck’s will be able to raise 2.5 million young hens annually. The feed used to raise the hens will be locally sourced, potentially creating $3 million in local contracts each year. “Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch truly appreciates the strong partnerships of our local and regional economic development organizations, local officials and state government agencies that enable critical infrastructure improvements, helping us to create new jobs while benefiting everyone in Ionia County,” said Herb Herbruck, executive vice president of Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch. “As a fourth-generation
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2017 ECONOMIC SUCCESS STORIES
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