Big Dutchman acquires controlling interest in Proline Group

The Big Dutchman Group, based in Vechta, Germany, has acquired a controlling interest of the Canada-based Proline Group. With about 50 employees globally, Proline Group is a leading supplier of production technologies for the pig, poultry, and grain handling industries in Asia and Oceania. Proline Group designs, supplies, builds and installs (turn-key) livestock equipment and facilities for pig, poultry and grain production under the brands PigPro, ChickPro and GrainPro.
The Proline Group, headquartered in Alberta, has been present in Asia since 1991 under the management of Darren Rose, who will remain the managing director. Its regional focus, among others, lies in countries such as the Philippines, Vietnam, Australia and China. The Canadian company is a complete solution provider and specializes in turn-key systems for the pig as well as poultry industry. "The comprehensive know-how Proline has acquired throughout its long presence in the region will ideally complement our sales team and activities particularly in the Philippines and Vietnam," said Bernd Meerpohl, chairman of the Big Dutchman AG board of management. "We are glad to enter this partnership as the long standing customer relationships established by Proline will also further strengthen our market position in particular in Asia."
According to Meerpohl, Proline Group has an outstanding reputation in the industry. Last but not least this is due to the cooperation with some of the world's leading manufacturers in some specialized areas. "We are looking forward to continue the cooperation with a number of those excellent suppliers," confirmed Meerpohl.
Big Dutchman is a leading global equipment supplier for modern pig and poultry production. The independent, family-owned company offers its products in more than 100 countries and achieved a turnover of approximately EUR670 million (US$776.7 million) in the past business year. 

Big Dutchman expanding US headquarters

Company and community officials participate in a ribbon cutting ceremony for the expansion of Big Dutchman USA's headquarters in Holland, Michigan. 
Increasing growth and strong sales of modern pig and poultry equipment in North and South America has made it necessary for Big Dutchman USA to expand its headquarter operation in Holland, Michigan.
The new two story building adds 12,000 square feet to the existing facility, doubling office space for Big Dutchman’s 138 employees. A new show room features innovative and future-oriented equipment and computer technology for the pig and poultry industry.
At the ceremonial building inauguration on October 15, Holland’s Chamber of Commerce and many guests witnessed the official cutting of the ribbon by Clovis Rayzel, president of Big Dutchman USA. Bernd Meerpohl, chairman of the board of management, delivered compliments and a special message of thanks to the successful American team. Clovis Rayzel proudly stated that “this investment will help us better serve our rapidly growing business in the U.S., Canada and Latin America”.
Big Dutchman is an industry leader in the development and sales of automatic feeding, housing and ventilation systems for pig and poultry management. Big Dutchman USA was established in the Holland/Zeeland, Michigan area in 1938 by the Dutch immigrant brothers Richard and Jack DeWitt. Their pioneer work led to the marketing of the world’s first automatic feeding machine for commercial poultry production. A restored antique “Champion” chain feeder is now on display in the new reception area of the Holland facility.
Big Dutchman has over 900 employees in Germany and 2,500 employees worldwide. It operates subsidiaries and logistic centers across six continents with sales in more than 100 countries.