Simonsen Rendering Service in Quimby, Iowa, is shutting its doors after nearly 90 years in business. The rendering plant announces the last day of operations is Feb. 23.
In 1928, hog producer and veterinarian Walter Simonsen started the company, needing a reliable source of protein to use in his hog feed. Soon after officially opening the doors in 1929, many area farmers were buying this protein meal to feed to their own herds.
Today, Simonsen Rendering is a division of Simonsen Industries owned and operated by the third generation of the family. Eleven employees will be affected by the closure, all of whom have the opportunity to apply for jobs at Simonsen Manufacturing.
Some of the reasons for the closure include low prices for its finished products, increasing expenses and upcoming government regulations, Simonsen tells local media.
