As an increasing amount of food companies pledge to source only 100 percent cage-free eggs, Rembrandt Foods, one of the nation’s largest egg producers, says it plans to build a new cage-free production facility in Lake Preston, SD.

The facility will initially house approximately three million egg-laying chickens with on-site breaking equipment and further growth planned. The Iowa-based Rembrandt says the South Dakota location was selected for its central location, access to feed, and biosecurity benefits. Construction will begin in 2016, with the first hens introduced in 2017.

“We recognize the growing consumer demand for cage-free eggs and egg products and as a leader in this industry, we are committed to supporting our customers’ cage-free needs,” says Dave Rettig, president of Rembrandt Foods.  “The Lake Preston operation reflects our interest in a cage-free future and we are excited to make this investment.”