Cal-Maine Foods, the largest producer and distributor of fresh shell eggs in the United States, announced it has completed the previously announced acquisition of Tyson Foods’ shuttered broiler processing plant, hatchery, and feed mill in Dexter, Missouri.

When the deal was originally announced in December, the Missouri Department of Economic Development said Cal-Maine will invest $13 million to repurpose the assets for use in egg and egg products production. Cal-Maine said it will initially convert the broiler processing plant to an egg grading facility but anticipates making additional investments in the facilities. Potential future expansion includes egg products processing capabilities, such as hard-cooked eggs.

“We are pleased to join the Dexter community and are excited about the opportunities to expand our operations. We intend to partner with the existing strong network of local contract growers who can support our shell egg production capabilities,” said Sherman Miller, president and chief executive officer of Cal-Maine. “Dexter’s central geographic location and strong work force will enhance our supply and distribution capabilities for customers in Missouri and surrounding markets. Importantly, we will also benefit from closer proximity to sources for our primary feed ingredients. We look forward to the new production opportunities, including the potential for additional free-range capacity, in this new community and market for Cal-Maine Foods.”

Related:Cal-Maine acquiring shuttered broiler processing assets from Tyson Foods

Cal-Maine expects to enter into agreements with certain of Tyson’s former contract farmers to convert their operations to support its cage free, free range, or pasture raised egg production operations.

The facility is expected to begin operations in summer of 2024.