Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch, one of the largest egg producers in the United States, celebrated the opening of a new egg processing facility in Noble County, Indiana on Thursday, a project local leaders say will boost jobs and expand the region’s role in the nation’s food supply.
Company officials joined local and state leaders for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new 75,000-square-foot plant on Weston Avenue in Kendallville. The facility is expected to begin processing eggs this month and will handle roughly 420 million eggs annually sourced from nearby farms before distributing them to customers across the region.
Herbruck’s executives said the plant will expand the company’s processing capacity while allowing eggs produced in Indiana to be processed locally. The project represents a $20 million investment in the community and is expected to create about 60 jobs.
“Our Kendallville plant will have a positive impact on the community through our company’s investment, the jobs we’re creating and our commitment to community involvement,” said Stephanie Kempa, the company’s chief human resources officer. She said the company is grateful for support from the city of Kendallville and the state of Indiana.
State officials awarded the company tax incentives through Indiana’s Economic Development for a Growing Economy program, commonly known as EDGE credits, tied to the project’s job creation.
Local business leaders welcomed the facility as a significant addition to the regional economy.
“Our economy is healthier, and we all benefit when we have local companies with amazing values creating job opportunities and generating economic activity,” said Nikole Albright, executive director of the Kendallville Area Chamber of Commerce.
The company said it is continuing to hire workers for the facility, offering positions with health benefits, telehealth access and opportunities for training and advancement.
The event also introduced Todd Fowler as the new plant manager. Fowler, a longtime Indiana resident, said he was drawn to the company’s values and long-standing reputation.
“Herbruck’s values have led to the success and growth of the company for nearly seven decades,” Fowler said. “I look forward to helping our crew members expand their skills, connect with their community and be part of a team that provides high-quality eggs to customers.”
Based in Saranac, Michigan, Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch is a fourth-generation family-owned business and the largest egg producer in Michigan. The company operates facilities in Michigan, Indiana and Pennsylvania and says it donates more than 2 million eggs each year to organizations that help families in need, along with additional support for food banks, schools and community groups.
