USA | Mars has announced the expansion of its U.S. Royal Canin manufacturing capacity by opening a 450,000 square-foot facility in Lewisburg, Ohio.
The USD 450 million site will create up to 270 new full-time jobs over the next five years. It will be united around a cat and dog-first culture and produce enough dry pet food to feed four million pets annually.
“Our latest investment in Ohio is an important milestone in Mars' ongoing commitment to U.S.-based manufacturing. Over the last five years, we invested over USD six billion in the U.S., and we plan to continue to grow our ability to supply the domestic market,” said Poul Weihrauch, CEO of Mars, Incorporated.
“The Royal Canin facility in Lewisburg provides an important opportunity to further Mars science-based innovation while supporting a community of people and pets that has long been a part of the Mars family.’
The state-of-the-art facility uses standardised systems and process designs tested across Royal Canin facilities to replicate the brand’s precise nutrition. The site can manufacture the brand’s entire regional dry kibble portfolio, making it the brand's largest dry pet food factory globally.
“The decision by Royal Canin and parent company Mars to locate in Ohio represents a significant vote of confidence in Ohio's business environment, our talented, highly trained workforce and our outstanding quality of life,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.
“We are pleased that Royal Canin is locating in Lewisburg, and we look forward to partnering with them as they succeed in Ohio, the heart of it all.”
The facility has also earned a Silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, demonstrating a globally recognised sustainability achievement.
“The investment made into our Lewisburg site continues to represent the growth of the pet nutrition industry and the evolving needs of our pets and their owners,” said Daryn Brown, Regional President, Royal Canin North America.
“We’re proud to expand and scale our capabilities to provide tailored nutrition to our North American market and continue expanding our presence within Lewisburg and Preble County.”
