Mann Lake Ltd. Transitions to Family-Led Ownership in Landmark Acquisition
Mann Lake Bee and Ag Supply, the world’s leading provider of beekeeping supplies, embarked on a new chapter in its history with an acquisition by a coalition of families who share the company’s long-term vision. The acquisition marks a significant shift for the company, bringing it back to its roots of family-oriented leadership while ensuring it remains a premier resource for beekeepers and backyard chicken farmers across North America.
The new ownership group includes families with diverse backgrounds in sustainable agriculture, olive farming, and beekeeping. Their collective expertise aligns with Mann Lake’s mission to support the beekeeping and backyard farming industries with high-quality products, expert guidance, and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. By transitioning to family ownership, Mann Lake can now focus on sustainable, long-term growth without the financial pressures typically associated with institutional investors. This move has also positioned the company to operate debt-free while securing substantial capital for future expansion and innovation.
A Return to Family Roots
Jenna Prososki, Mann Lake’s Director of Marketing, expressed excitement about the transition, highlighting the significance of returning to the company’s family-owned origins. “Mann Lake was started as a family-owned business in 1983, and it’s incredibly exciting for us to return to those roots. We love bees, beekeeping, and backyard farming generally, and now have that passion not only among our employees but also with our board members and owners,” she said.
This transition is expected to strengthen the company’s ability to serve its customers with a focus on innovation, quality, and industry leadership. With the financial backing of the new owners, Mann Lake will be better equipped to develop new products, expand its distribution network, and enhance its educational offerings for beekeepers and poultry farmers alike.
Mann Lake’s Legacy and Industry Leadership
Founded in 1983, Mann Lake Ltd. has grown to become the world’s largest manufacturer and distributor of beekeeping supplies. From humble beginnings as a small family business in Hackensack, Minnesota, Mann Lake has evolved into an industry powerhouse, serving commercial and hobbyist beekeepers with essential tools, protective gear, hive components, and nutritional products designed to support healthy colonies.
Beyond beekeeping, Mann Lake has expanded its product lines to cater to the backyard poultry industry through its division, Stromberg’s Chickens. This branch of the company provides high-quality poultry supplies, including incubators, feeders, and coops, ensuring that backyard farmers have access to the tools they need for successful poultry-raising operations.
With headquarters in Hackensack, MN, Mann Lake has established a robust distribution network with retail and distribution locations in Florida, Pennsylvania, Texas, California, and Kentucky. The company also partners with authorized dealers throughout North America, ensuring that its high-quality products reach a broad customer base.
The Future Under Family Ownership
The acquisition represents more than just a change in ownership—it underscores a strategic shift in how Mann Lake envisions its future. With a commitment to sustainability and customer service, the new family-led leadership aims to:
- Enhance Research & Development – Investing in new and improved products that support beekeepers and poultry farmers in their daily operations.
- Expand Educational Resources – Providing comprehensive support and knowledge to customers through workshops, online resources, and expert consultations.
- Strengthen Sustainability Efforts – Promoting eco-friendly and sustainable farming practices that align with the owners’ backgrounds in agriculture.
- Grow the Distribution Network – Expanding Mann Lake’s footprint to reach more beekeepers and farmers, ensuring accessibility to high-quality products and expert advice.
As beekeeping and backyard farming continue to gain popularity, Mann Lake’s renewed focus on family values, customer service, and industry expertise positions it well for sustained success in the years ahead. Customers can expect continued innovation, quality, and support as the company embarks on this exciting new journey.
