Montana Eggs LLC announced Sept. 12 the grand opening of its new $9 million, 58,000 sq. ft. egg grading facility. The new operation, located in Great Falls, Mont., will process more than 280 million eggs annually from a supply of 1.2 million chickens. This will be the company’s second site in the region.

The Great Falls Montana Development Authority recognized Montana Eggs' contribution to the region at a grand opening event held Sept. 11.

“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,” said 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.”

Jolene Schalper, vice president of business development for the Great Falls Montana Development Authority, said Montana Eggs’ expansion has the potential to draw in more than $13 million for the state’s economy. “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,” she added.

The facility is owned by a partnership of 30 Hutterite colonies that make up Montana Eggs. For more than 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,” Kleinsasser said.

The Montana Eggs facility will add 20 new jobs to the region. Eggs are expected to begin shipping from the site this fall.