USA — Dog and cat food manufacturer Diamond Pet Foods has invested US$259 million to construct a new production plant and distribution center in Indiana as the company seeks to expand its support for customers in the Midwest.
The new 700,000-square-foot facility will house manufacturing and distribution space, increasing Diamond’s output to its Midwest consumers. The facility will be the company’s first in Indiana.
Expected to be operational by the end of 2024, the facility will produce cat and dog food from U.S.-sourced ingredients and create approximately 170 new jobs.
“We are excited to choose Rushville for its proximity to suppliers as well as the community’s skilled workforce,” said Mike Kampeter, president of Diamond Pet Foods.
“This new state-of-the-art facility will allow us to continue offering quality pet food at prices pet parents can feel good about. We look forward to adding Rushville and Indiana to the Diamond family.”
According to the company, it was prompted to increase its presence in the Midwest following growing demand for more pet food, as well as an increase in pet ownership throughout the United States.
Pet ownership in 2020 rose to 70% of US households, and owners spent 11% more on pet food, per an American Pet Products Association’s survey.
According to the company, the investment was prompted to increase its presence in the Midwest following growing demand for more pet food, as well as an increase in pet ownership throughout the United States
Diamond initially announced its plans for the new facility in December 2021, originally pledging a US$200 million investment in the project. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) has provided up to US$1.5 million in incentive-based tax credits and up to US$300,000 from the Industrial Development Grant Fund in support.
“We couldn’t be prouder to welcome one of the world’s largest privately held pet food manufacturers to Indiana’s thriving economic ecosystem,” said Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb.
“The Crossroads of America is where agriculture and innovation perfectly intersect, and precisely where our number one ranked infrastructure program, high quality of place and access to talent all contribute to support Diamond’s impressive goals and growth. I’m confident, together, we’ll find success in Indiana for generations to come.”
Diamond’s Indiana facility will join its existing operations throughout Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, South Carolina and California. The company currently has more than 1,000 employees.
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