The construction will start this year with the first hens put in place in 2017. Rembrandt chose the Lake Preston site based on location, biosecurity and access to feed.
“Rembrandt Foods will be a welcome addition to South Dakota’s robust agriculture industry,” said South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard. “I want to thank Rembrandt for choosing to do business here.”
“We look forward to becoming a part of the local community and building long term, mutually beneficial relationships in this agricultural region,” said Jonathan Spurway, vice president of marketing at Rembrandt Foods.
Rembrandt announced a commitment to cage-free expansion last year, and the addition of the Lake Preston facility will significantly expand its production in the cage-free arena.
More than 100 food companies have a current plan to switch to 100 percent cage-free eggs within the next 10 years. That list continues to grow.
“We recognize the growing consumer demand for cage-free eggs and egg products and as a leader in this industry, we are committed to supporting our customers’ cage-free needs,” said Dave Rettig, president of Rembrandt Foods. “The Lake Preston operation reflects our interest in a cage-free future and we are excited to make this investment.
“A cage-free supply chain isn’t built overnight,” Rettig added, “but the Lake Preston facility puts us another step closer to facilitating a cage-free standard.”
The Iowa-based company provides eggs and egg products to food manufacturers, the foodservice industry and retailers.
