Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch, one of the largest U.S. poultry producers, broke ground April 4 on a new facility in Topeka, Ind.

The proposed 20,000 sq. ft. facility in Topeka will include a feed mill for company-owned hens as well as a depot building where flock services such as moving of equipment and vaccinating birds will take place.

“We are excited to break ground on this important project in the town of Topeka. Town officials have welcomed us with open arms and proven that they are open for business,” said Greg Herbruck, corporate vice president of Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch. “The logistics advantage, high-quality workforce, ease to do business and proximity to customers made this decision very easy for us. Our relationship with the town of Topeka and LaGrange County will play a role in future expansion projects for our company as well.”

The facility is expected to be fully staffed and operational in early 2017.  

Herbruck’s is also one of the largest organic egg producers in the country, with 1.2 million organic laying hens. The company has said it plans to expand its number of organic laying hens to 1.7 million this year.