The Right Place assists Prism Controls with $3.8 million expansion in Vergennes Township

Today, The Right Place, Inc., in partnership with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Vergennes Township, announces that Prism Controls plans to invest $3.8m to double its production facilities and hire 28 employees at its growing Vergennes Township facility over the next five years.

Prism Controls, based at 890 O E Bieri Industrial Drive in the Lowell area, specializes in developing and manufacturing technology solutions that help modernize and optimize agricultural operations, with a focus on egg and poultry farming. Due to the company’s growth and increased demand, it plans to double the size of its current 15,000-square-foot facility and invest in new equipment and personal property needed for additional production. The company also intends to add more office space for additional employees, allowing it to continue developing and producing innovative agricultural technology.

The company has a long history in Michigan. In 1958, the Herbruck Poultry Ranch was established in Saranac, and in 1980, Stephen Herbruck founded Poultry Management Systems Inc. (PMSI) as an independent controls company serving egg and poultry operations. Then, in 2009, Big Dutchman, a Germany-based global provider of equipment for modern egg, poultry, and pig production, acquired PMSI. PMSI relocated to a new facility in Vergennes Township in 2017 and was renamed Prism Controls Inc. in 2023.

This latest expansion will further solidify the company’s presence in Michigan and build on the state’s leadership in the agriculture industry.

“We are proud to be growing in Michigan, where the state’s continued support is helping make this expansion possible,” said Eric Hansen, President, Prism Controls. “This expansion will nearly double our production capacity, create new opportunities for our workforce, and enable us to bring more of our innovative agricultural solutions to customers around the world, building on a legacy that began in 1980.”

The MEDC is supporting the initiative with a $210,000 grant from the Michigan Business Development Program. The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $3,824,583 and create 28 jobs with average wages ranging from $22.61-$36.22 per hour, which is at or above the Regional Median Wage of $22.61 per hour.

The Right Place worked closely with the company, Vergennes Township, and the MEDC to support the company's continued growth in the region, compared to regions closer to the company’s customer base in Iowa, Ohio, and Indiana. They supported the company by effectively organizing state and local resources, including the Michigan Business Development Program Incentive.

“Prism Controls has a long history of using technology to solve real problems for farmers —from egg counting to fire prevention—and this expansion shows Vergennes Township is where they want to keep innovating,” said Andria Romkema, Senior Vice President of Business Development at The Right Place. “Expanding their footprint with a $3.8 million investment and 28 new jobs reflects the strength of our region's manufacturing and technology base. The Right Place was glad to help Prism Controls plan for this next chapter of growth here at home.”

“Vergennes Township is pleased to have Prism Controls expand its presence in our community,” said Tim Wittenbach, Supervisor, Vergennes Township. “We look forward to working with the company as it continues to grow and build on our region’s rich agricultural history.”

Learn more about Prism Controls at www.prismcontrols.com