Big History
Since 1938, Big Dutchman has been at the forefront of innovation in poultry production, revolutionizing the industry with the invention of the world’s first automatic chicken feeder. What began as a small family business in Michigan has grown into a global leader, delivering cutting-edge solutions that continue to shape modern farming. Our commitment to pioneering technology and fostering long-term partnerships with farmers has remained unwavering for over eight decades, driving progress in poultry production worldwide.
2024
A new mission statement for the global Big Dutchman group is unveiled: “Taking action for future generations.” Accompanying this mission statement are seven defined values by which we act. Read more about our mission and values here.
2024
A new warehouse on 40th St. in Holland, Michigan opens to streamline distribution and meet increasing demand for the North American market.
2023
Big Dutchman celebrates its 85th anniversary as a company. A special celebration took place at the International Production and Processing Expo (IPPE) in January of 2024, where friends and colleagues of Big Dutchman could commemorate the occasion.
2022
Big Dutchman becomes a significant minority shareholder in the Dutch Ammerlaan group from Venlo, Netherlands. Ammerlaan is one of the horticultural industry’s leading players, focusing on high-tech controlled-environment greenhouses for sustainable and resource-efficient food production.
2020
Better Insect Solutions, a joint brand of sister companies Big Dutchman, Inno+, and Skov, is founded to provide a range of high-tech products and system solutions for insect farming. These products and solutions leverage the expertise gained from poultry and pig production to advance the insect farming industry.
2017
The Big Dutchman group acquires an agricultural building business, Agricon by Betco. Betco is a supplier of steel livestock buildings based in North Carolina. ”This is an important step to strengthen the building know-how of our brand Agricon, and to further our strategy of becoming the most competitive supplier of turn-key solutions.”, said Bernd Meerpohl.
2014
Big Dutchman North America expands its office and showroom space. Pictured: Renovated building just after completion.
2013
Big Dutchman celebrates its 75 year anniversary. Pictured: Clovis Rayzel, President Big Dutchman North America and Bernd Meerpohl.
2009
Big Dutchman acquires Prism Controls (formerly known as Poultry Management Systems Inc. (PMSI)) located in Lowell, Michigan. Prism Controls provides technology and automation solutions for the agricultural industry.
2006
In 2006 Big Dutchman North America moves from 40th St. to the current location on John F. Donnelly Dr. Pictured: Big Dutchman USA building before renovation.
2004
Big Dutchman installs its first cage-free system in North America. This system was the NATURA® Floor 431, and the installation took place in Windsor, California.
1999
The Meerpohl family acquires the totality of Big Dutchman. Pictured: Josef and Bernd Meerpohl.
1992
The holding company BDAG is created in Germany. Josef Meerpohl holds the position of Chairman of the Supervisory Board, while his oldest son, Bernd Meerpohl, takes over the management of Big Dutchman as the Chairman of the Board of Management. Pictured: Josef and Bernd Meerpohl.
1989
Big Dutchman North America is moved from Pennsylvania to Holland, Michigan on 40th St. Pictured: 40th St. location.
1985
The Meerpohl family acquires Big Dutchman from Hanson Trust, with rights on the brand for all of the world except the Americas. Under the new ownership, the Big Dutchman brand rapidly grows as a truly global organization. Pictured: Josef Meerpohl leaving for USA.
1981
US Industries sells Big Dutchman to Hanson Trust. New owner moves Big Dutchman from Atlanta to New Holland, Pennsylvania. Pictured: Big Dutchman location in Atlanta, Georgia.
1978
Josef Meerpohl acquires Big Dutchman’s German operations. US Industries moves Big Dutchman to Atlanta, Georgia. Pictured: Big Dutchman Germany in 1970.
1968
New complex inaugurated on Franklin St., Zeeland, Michigan. Founders sell the company to US Industries. Pictured: Franklin St. location right after completion.
1959
Company’s first overseas operation is opened in the Netherlands, also under the responsibility of Josef Meerpohl. Pictured: Big Dutchman truck in the Netherlands.
1958
Josef Meerpohl, a poultry farmer from Calveslage in Lower Saxony, Germany, joins the company as the head of sales for that country. Pictured: Jack DeWitt and Josef Meerpohl in 1963.
1954
Name of company changed to Big Dutchman, Inc.
1951
New manufacturing plant, Washington Ave., Zeeland, Michigan. Pictured: Big Dutchman location on Washington Ave.
1948
Model A (round body) chain feeder launched and sold under the “Big Dutchman” product name. At this time the company was called “Automatic Poultry Feeder Co.” It was sold in the beginning of 1949 to Mr. Carson Lamberson, of Abbottstown, Pennsylvania. With its revolutionary chain feed carrying concept, it became the first automated poultry feeder produced on a commercial scale. Pictured: Wayne Schipper of Hamilton, Michigan.
1938
Brothers Richard (Dick) and Jack DeWitt, whose parents emigrated from the Netherlands to the U.S., started the company that would become Big Dutchman. The business started as a hatchery and expanded to include the production of broilers and turkeys. As growers looking for more efficient ways to raise their flocks, they designed the Big Dutchman feeder. Pictured: Jack and Dick DeWitt and the building where the business started in Zeeland, Michigan.