2023:  Big Dutchman turns 85.

2022:  The Big Dutchman family consists of 200 agencies in 80 countries, eight regional head offices, more than two dozen further offices and 3,260 employees. The turnover crosses the threshold of EUR 1 billion for the first time.

2017:  The new test centre is inaugurated in Calveslage.

2015:  The organisational structure is revised for a more targeted sales approach, creating the three separate business units Egg, Poultry and Pig. 

2013:  Big Dutchman celebrates its 75th anniversary.

2012:  The visionary concept study “Pig Production 2030” visualises the future of modern pig production by allowing free movement for all pigs.

2010:  Big Dutchman presents the revolutionary farm management system “BigFarmNet”.

1992:  The holding company Big Dutchman Aktiengesellschaft is founded.

1987:  Big Dutchman launches the first Natura aviary system for laying hens in Switzerland.

1985:  Following a management buyout, Josef Meerpohl becomes the owner of Big Dutchman. Calveslage is now the international head office.

1983:  Big Dutchman introduces manure belt ventilation for cage systems.

1980:  As the result of a hostile take-over, the British Hanson Trust becomes owner of US Industries and thus also owner of Big Dutchman.

1972:  The DeWitt brothers retire from Big Dutchman.

1968:  Big Dutchman co-founders Jack and Dick DeWitt sell the company to US Industries, a business conglomerate quoted on the stock exchange. Big Dutchman launches the first liquid feeding system for pigs.

1963:  Josef Meerpohl sells his business to Big Dutchman, but remains the appointed executive director of the new subsidiary in Calveslage.

1958:  The company risks expansion to Europe and Josef Meerpohl, a poultry farmer from Calveslage, becomes a Big Dutchman sales agent.

1938:  Brothers Jack and Dick DeWitt found “Automatic Poultry Feeder Co.” in the USA. Big Dutchman is just a product name at this time.