The new two-storey building adds 12,000 square feet to the existing facility, doubling office space for Big Dutchman's 138 employees.

Continuing growth and strong sales of modern pig and poultry equipment in North and South America have made it necessary for Big Dutchman expand its US headquarters space, the company said in a press release.

The new building features a show room complete with "innovative and future-oriented equipment and computer technology for the pig and poultry industry."

The building's opening ceremony was attended by members of Holland's Chamber of Commerce and many other guests.

Bernd Meerpohl, chairman of Big Dutchman's Board of Management, travelled from Germany, where Big Dutchman has its global headquarters, to cut the ceremonial ribbon.

In his brief address, Mr. Meerpohl congratulated the American team for the company's successful operation US operation.

Clovis Rayzel, president of Big Dutchman USA, said "this investment will help us better serve our rapidly growing business in the US, Canada and Latin America".

Big Dutchman is the industry leader in the development and sales of automatic feeding, housing and ventilation systems for pig and poultry operations.

The US operation was established in the Holland/Zeeland, Michigan area in 1938 by the Dutch immigrant brothers Richard and Jack DeWitt.

Their pioneering work led to the marketing of the world's first automatic feeding machine " commercial poultry production. A restored antique "Champion" Chain feeder is now on display in the new reception area of the Holland facility.

Big Dutchman has over 900 employees in Germany and 2,500 employees worldwide.