Montana Eggs Opens New $9 Million Facility

The 58,000-square-foot egg grading operation in Great Falls, MT will process over 280 million eggs annually to meet growing demand for organic, free-range eggs.

Montana Eggs LLC is celebrating the grand opening of its new $9 million, 58,000-square-foot egg grading facility in Great Falls, MT. The new operation will process more than 280 million eggs annually from a supply of 1.2 million chickens. This is the company’s second site in the Great Falls region.

Great Falls Montana
Photo: Great Falls Montana Development Authority

“The demand for Montana-grown free-range eggs is expected to double over the next few years and this facility will help us meet the demand. The space gives us the ability to grade, sort and ship millions of eggs a year,” says Mike Kleinsasser, secretary-treasurer of Montana Eggs. “The demand for organic products is beginning to outpace the supply, and this new facility prepares us to confidently face that challenge.”

The new Montana Eggs facility will bring 20 new jobs to the region. Eggs are expected to begin shipping from the site Fall 2017.

“Montana Eggs’ expansion has the potential to draw in more than $13 million for the state’s economy,” says Jolene Schalper, vice president of business development for the Great Falls Montana Development Authority. “Big companies from around the world are starting to realize the potential of our region’s strong workforce and the large number of agricultural products we can process.”

The facility is owned by a partnership of 30 Hutterite colonies that make up Montana Eggs. Often distinguished by the men’s black beards and traditional 19th century garb, the Hutterites are a denomination of communal Anabaptists, like the Amish and Mennonites, who live on secluded farms yielding eggs, pork and garden produce. For over 70 years, the colonies have been setting new trends in Montana agriculture, driving the dairy industry and producing 98% of Montana’s eggs. They are currently working on transitioning to a cage-free nesting system.

“This new facility is not only a milestone for the Hutterites but it’s great for the economy and the region of Great Falls. As a Hutterite myself, I can say that we are proud to be part of such a vibrant, growing agriculture and processing community,” continues Kleinsasser.

Great Falls Montana
Photo: Great Falls Montana Development Authority

The Great Falls region is home to several large agri-processing companies, based both locally and internationally, including Montana Milling, General Mills, Graincraft, and Timeless Seeds. The region has also attracted foreign direct investment, with four Japanese-owned companies including Columbia Grain, Montana Specialty Mills and Helena Chemical, and French-owned MaltEurop.

“This has been a fun project to work on with great people,” said Mike Tabacco, owner Guy Tabacco Construction. “We like agri-processing projects here because we engage with reliable business partners and gain such good friends during the process. What a great asset to Great Falls and the surrounding area.”

While the large Montana Eggs expansion marks a victory for agri-processing in the area, the Great Falls Montana Development Authority believes there is more work to be done.

“There is a wealth of opportunity to process more agricultural goods here in Great Falls,” says Brett Doney, president and CEO of the Great Falls Montana Development Authority. “For companies looking to relocate we offer tremendous support including workforce recruitment and training grants, land and equipment grants, access to capital and low-cost utilities and shovel-ready rail-served manufacturing sites.”

A new 197-acre development site called AgriTech Park opened in Great Falls, MT in 2016, offering customized, shovel-ready, heavy industrial lots with rail access. Each lot ranges in size from seven to more than 300 acres. The park is certified as a BNSF Premier Park, saving six to nine months in start-up operations.

Relocating or Expanding Your Business In Montana

Considering Montana for your company’s relocation or expansion project? Check out Business Facilities’ Montana Incentives and Workforce Development Guide.

Agriculture, Capital Investment, Daily News, Economic Development, Featured, Industries, Industry Clusters/Hubs, Montana, Site Selection Factors, USA - Rocky Mountains

agri-processing, Capital Investment, Economic Development, Expansion, free-range eggs, Great Falls Montana Development Authority, Hutterite, montana, Montana Eggs, Site Selection

Sponsored Content
Featured Location

Location Spotlight: Explore Minnesota

With a diverse economy built on industry-leading companies, thriving small businesses, high innovation rates, world-class infrastructure and a skilled, educated, and engaged workforce, there’s room for everyone to thrive.

Featured Video

Webinars, Podcasts & Videos

Camp Hall – A Next Generation Commerce Park in South Carolina

Camp Hall is a first-of-its-kind, master-planned industrial work space located in Charleston, S.C. As a convergence of people, place and programming, Camp Hall delivers thoughtful infrastructure and logistical features that empower people — and business — to thrive.

Hear from leaders at the Destination Medical Center and Mayo Clinic Business Development in Rochester about why they feel Minnesota is filled with opportunities for founders and why investors should consider the power of startups in Minnesota.

Business Benefits In Minnesota, a Mayo Clinic Business Development and Destination Medical Center Perspective

Hear from leaders at the Destination Medical Center and Mayo Clinic Business Development in Rochester about why they feel Minnesota is filled with opportunities for founders and why investors should consider the power of startups in Minnesota.

Agricultural Heritage Meets Strong Manufacturing Base With a rich history in agriculture, the region is now made up of a strong manufacturing base, including everything from snack foods and Gatorade, to leading human resources software and revolutionary plug-less power systems for electric vehicles. Mount Rogers Regional Partnership's strategic East Coast location is the driving force.

Virginia’s i81-i77 Crossroads | Talent Retention & Manufacturing

Learn about manufacturing jobs and facilities in the Mount Rogers region of southwest Virginia. There is ample opportunity for education and jobs in a region rich with culture and heritage.

Share to...