FRANKLIN, Tenn. – Pet parents have spent more quality time than ever with their dogs and cats during the pandemic — including more than 11 million households in the U.S. that welcomed a new pet this past year. The increased time spent together has led to shifts in pet parent behaviors, as noted in the Mars Petcare, Pets in a Pandemic: BETTER CITIES FOR PETS 2020 Report. Many pet parents have tried new types and varieties of food for their dogs and cats which has contributed to growth in the wet food category. To meet this growing demand, Mars Petcare will invest $145 million to expand its manufacturing facility located in Fort Smith.
Friday’s announcement builds on a series of investments Mars Petcare has made in its Fort Smith facility since its opening, totaling nearly $200 million. This latest investment will create more than 120 new full-time jobs, with further expansion planned and also represents a continued commitment from Mars Petcare to manufacture its products where they’re sold and invest in the people and communities where the company operates. Mars Petcare Associates help improve the lives of pets and pet parents and will play a key role in the success of this expansion.
“The investment from Mars Petcare in their Fort Smith manufacturing facility will boost the economy at both the local and state level,” said Asa Hutchinson, governor of Arkansas. “Since the facility opened in 2009, it has become a hub of diverse and quality jobs, and we thank Mars Petcare for continuing to grow and invest in the Fort Smith community.”
The facility expansion will begin this month and is scheduled for completion in 2022. With the investment, Mars Petcare will add more than 200,000 square-feet and two additional production lines, increasing production capacity by more than 40%, with room for growth to continue meeting the growing demands of pet parents.
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