Turkey Hatchery Opens in Terre Haute

(photo courtesy Select Genetics)

Officials in Vigo County have cut the ribbon on the $22 million Select Genetics turkey hatchery in Terre Haute. The Minnesota-based company says the new facility, touted as the largest turkey hatchery in the world, is equipped to set more than 41 million eggs per year with a full capacity of 60 million eggs. 

Plans for the facility were first announced in March 2017. Select Genetics said at the time the project could bring up to 100 jobs to the Wabash Valley.

The turkey hatchery is located in the Vigo County Industrial Park and is the company’s first operation in Indiana. Select Genetics says the design of the facility is similar to hospital to prevent diseases and ensure the welfare of the birds.

"Our customers were the driving force to build this new hatchery," said Jihad Douglas, chief executive officer of Select Genetics. "We needed to build a facility to produce high quality poults in proximity to their operations. We are fortunate to have owners that are committed to investing in infrastructure and the future of the turkey industry. Working together we have come a long way and we’re pleased to be an integral part of this industry and this community."

Rick VanderSpek, chairman of the board for Select Genetics, says the hatchery is the result of good partnerships.

"From the initial discussions with customers and site selection through design and construction it has taken many people working together to get us where we are today," said VanderSpek. "It has been exciting to watch this project progress and we’re looking forward to hatching poults in September."