Livestock feed supplier Furst-McNess Co. acquired fellow Midwestern feed supplier Big Gain Wisconsin in December, expanding their manufacturing capabilities and product lineup to include equine feed.

The agreement joins two livestock feed and nutrition companies. This agreement does not include Big Gain Inc.-based in Makato, Minn.

“Furst-McNess and Big Gain Wisconsin have unique strengths that are complimentary to each other, and this agreement will allow us to truly deliver exceptional products and services to our customers,” according to Dwayne Schultz, president of Big Gain Wisconsin.

Schultz will continue to run the daily operations in Lodi, Wis., and all staff will be retained.

“Big Gain is known for their quality products and manufacturing excellence, and this agreement will allow McNess to fill gaps we’ve had in regional manufacturing, bring on exceptional talent, and become even more competitive in the marketplace,” according to Kevin Gyland, executive vice president of Furst-McNess.

Matt Heinrich, president and CEO of Furst-McNess sees this acquisition generating a real push in the Midwest noting, “With the manufacturing capabilities of Big Gain Wisconsin, and the livestock nutritional expertise of Furst-McNess, this acquisition creates opportunities that previously didn’t exist. Everyone is extremely excited about the capabilities that will emerge from joining the two organizations.”