WattAgNet: Indiana egg farm plans to rebuild after fire

More than 1 million hens are lost in October 2 fire

The Hi-Grade Egg Producers facilities that were lost in an October 2 fire will be rebuilt, a company official said.

More than one million hens died in a fire that broke out at the egg layer farm near North Manchester, Indiana.

The fire was believed to have started around 10:30 that evening. At least four buildings were destroyed by the fire, which was believed to have started in one poultry house and spread to other buildings. The fire was eventually brought under control, thanks to the efforts of 22 area fire departments.

Hi-Grade Egg Producers is operated by Midwest Poultry Services, which is headquartered in Mentone, Indiana. According to the WATTAgNet Top Poultry Companies Database, Midwest Poultry Services has a flock of 9.5 million hens and is the ninth largest egg producer in the United States and the 20th largest egg producer in the world. The company produces conventional white eggs, cage-free eggs and nutritionally enhanced eggs.

About 2.7 million chickens were housed at the complex in North Manchester.