Simmons Pet Food Boosting Production, Warehousing

Simmons Pet Food is expanding its production capabilities with the forthcoming addition of a fourth high-speed canning line at its Emporia, Kan., facility and the start-up of the second line of canned pet food at its plant in Dubuque, Iowa. 

Additionally, the company said it is investing in packaging automation and a new distribution hub in Edgerton, Kan. Slated to open later this year, the new 750,000 square foot facility will help the company meet the growing demand for multi- and variety-packed pet food products.

These moves are part of Simmons Pet Food’s $500 million strategic growth plan, which includes the company’s exit earlier this year from the dry pet food and pet treats categories to focus on wet pet food.

“The fourth line in Emporia will be capable of producing 60,000 pounds per hour and will expand the total annual plant output to more than 70 million cases (1.6+ billion units) by early 2024,” said Scott Salmon, president of Simmons Pet Food.

The Emporia and Edgerton projects represent a $115 million investment and will create 177 jobs. 

The company’s Emporia facility has been in operation since 1998, beginning with one line and approximately 250 team members. Today the operation includes a Flex plant (producing pet food in pouches, cups and tubs), in addition to the canned pet food plant. The combined operation has grown to employ more than 1,500 team members