USA— Mars is investing US$82 million in its pet-food facility in Kansas as it seeks to ramp up production of its cat and dog treat brand, Greenies.
The project is set to add new processing and packaging machinery to the plant. Expansion work at the site has already started and according to the company is due for completion early next year.
When upgrades are completed, Mars Petcare’s Kansas City plant is set to boost Greenies’ production capacity by 75%, or 940 million treats a year and is expected to create 95 jobs.
The Kansas City plant has been in production since 2006 and also makes Greenies Pill Pockets, Greenies Dog Supplements, Greenies Dental Dog Treats and Pill Assist Cat by Royal Canin.
Ikdeep Singh, the global president of Mars Pet Nutrition, said: “We’re proud to deepen our commitment to Kansas City and to our associates who play a critical role in continuing to deliver product innovation to meet the new ways pet parents seek to bond with and feed their pets.”
In 2021 and for the first time ever, sales in the pet product industry surpassed US$100 billion.
Momentum in the pet category is being continually driven by a unique combination of three factors, including the humanization of a growing pet population and sales of premium products.
As a result, in 2021 and for the first time ever, sales in the pet product industry surpassed US$100 billion, according to data compiled by the American Pet Products Association (APPA).
“As the bond between people and their pets has never been stronger, we’re dedicated to answering the ever-growing needs of pet parents and furthering our purpose: A Better World for Pets.”
Earlier this year, the company Mars has expanded both its direct-to-consumer and pet-care portfolio with the acquisition of NomNomNow, a direct-to-consumer pet-care business based in Nashville, Tennessee.
The American multinational confectioner has also been focused on strengthening its research and development (R&D) capabilities. Earlier this year, with a US$40 million investment in a new innovation hub next to its world headquarters on Goose Island in Chicago, as well as a US$175 million to expand the manufacturing capabilities of its US chocolate candy plant.
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