Mann Lake Ltd. of Hackensack is beginning to rebrand to reflect the growth the business has experienced in recent years. It will now be named Mann Lake Bee & Ag Supply.
"With that name change we're looking at expanding our product line," said Danielle Schermerhorn, marketing manager. "We acquired Stromberg Chickens about two years ago and we have been moving into that poultry space, but now we're expanding beyond poultry into more of that agricultural supply company."
The Mann Lake company, started by Jack and Betty Thomas in 1983, has become a globally recognized company that expanded from its humble origins in the Hackensack area to include plants in California, Pennsylvania, Texas, Florida, Kentucky and Oregon. Over time they acquired Kelley Beekeeping, Shastina Millwork and D&I Pure Sweeteners.
Two years ago the acquisition of the Stromberg company in Pine River, a nationally recognized company, jettisoned Mann Lake into the poultry business.
Now known as Mann Lake Bee & Ag Supply, it provides beekeeping supplies, poultry, bird supplies and more. Mann Lake is expanding to be a one-stop shop for all things bees, birds and agriculture. Schermerhorn said the rebranding is a new name and new look.
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"We want to be more of a resource for them (Minnesota customers) locally, where they can get all of their agricultural supplies," Schermerhorn said. "We're supporting the people in our region to be sustainable and to pursue their backyard hobbies. We've done that for our beekeeping customers."
They will, however, still be dedicated to high quality products and services as well as to the large workforce they have amassed in various communities, including Hackensack.
"We're committed to Hackensack and we have no plans on moving headquarters," Schermerhorn said. "We've really enjoyed being a big company in a growing community. We're really excited about the changes happening in Hackensack and being a part of that."
Travis Grimler is a staff writer for the Pineandlakes Echo Journal weekly newspaper in Pequot Lakes/Pine River. He may be reached at 218-855-5853 or travis.grimler@pineandlakes.com.
