Dec 14, 2016
By Gilbert VandenHeuvel
The History of Big Dutchman
Dwyer has been selling and servicing Big Dutchman’s computerized liquid feeding systems for 11 years. A lot has changed during that time here at Dwyer’s but it’s only a small part of Big Dutchman’s 78 years of history.
Big Dutchman has an interesting history that spans a number of countries. Basically, it’s a German company started in the United States by Dutch immigrant brothers.
Continue reading for the full story. Thanks to www.bigdutchman.com for the information.
New products coming from Big Dutchman are PRRS air inlet filters and repairable LED lighting designed for agriculture conditions. Stay tuned for more information on these items and more.
1938
Brothers Richard (Dick) and Jack DeWitt, whose parents emigrated from the Netherlands to the U.S., started the company that would become Big Dutchman. The business started as a hatchery and expanded to include the production of broilers and turkeys. As growers looking for more efficient ways to raise their flocks, they designed the Big Dutchman feeder. Pictured: Jack and Dick DeWitt
1948
Model A (round body) chain feeder launched and sold under the “Big Dutchman” product name. At this time the company was called “Automatic Poultry Feeder Co.” It was sold in the beginning of 1949 to Mr. Carson Lamberson, of Abbottstown, Pennsylvania. With its revolutionary chain feed carrying concept, it became the first automated poultry feeder produced on a commercial scale.
1951
New manufacturing plant, Washington Ave., Zeeland, Michigan.
Picture: Big Dutchman location on Washington Ave.
1954
Name of company changed to Big Dutchman, Inc.
1958
Josef Meerpohl, a poultry farmer from Calveslage in Lower Saxony, Germany, joins the company as the head of sales for that country.
1959
Company’s first overseas operation is opened in the Netherlands, also under the responsibility of Josef Meerpohl.
1968
New complex inaugurated on Franklin St., Zeeland, Michigan. Founders sell the company to US Industries.
1978
Josef Meerpohl acquires Big Dutchman’s German operations.
Pictured: Big Dutchman Germany, Vechta, Gmb
1985
The Meerpohl family acquires Big Dutchman from Hanson Trust, with rights on the brand for all of the world except the Americas. Under the new ownership, the Big Dutchman brand rapidly grows as a truly global organization.
1999
The Meerpohl family acquires the totality of Big Dutchman.
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