Area Development
AFB International, a global manufacturer of pet food ingredients, will establish operations in Columbus, Georgia. The $79 million project is expected to create 100 jobs in the next five years.

The new manufacturing facility will be located at the Muscogee Technology Park, a Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development Certified site in Muscogee County. Operations are expected to begin in 2024.

"AFB is excited to become part of the Columbus community," said AFB International President Jared Lozo. "We are proud of the work we’ve done since 1986 to make pet food taste great, and pleased to continue our growth with the talented workforce in the Columbus region. For AFB, this plant is key to fulfilling our commitment to be the most responsive and reliable supplier of pet food palatant solutions in the world."

AFB develops, manufactures, and sells palatant ingredients to pet food companies worldwide. Palatants are ingredients that make pet foods, treats, and supplements taste great, ensuring pets enjoy their feeding occasions and get the vital nutrients they need.

"AFB perfectly aligns with Georgia’s spirit of collaboration and innovation, and we are excited for the jobs and opportunities their new facility will create for local communities," said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. "Urgency of customer demand has been a key challenge for many companies in the last year. We are grateful for our partners in Columbus for investing in speed-to-market solutions like the GRAD program, and we look forward to AFB’s future success in Georgia!"

Project Manager John Soper represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) Global Commerce team on the project in partnership with the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Power, and Georgia Quick Start.

"As a global science and technology leader, AFB will be a great partner for our community," added Heath Schondelmayer, Chairman of the Development Authority of Columbus. "We are extremely excited about this announcement today because growing Columbus and creating jobs for this community is our top priority."