Petsource, an indirect, wholly owned and independently operated subsidiary of Scoular, will invest $75 million to expand its manufacturing facility in Seward, Nebraska. The project is expected to create 80 new jobs.

The expansion, projected for completion in early 2023, will triple the company’s production capacity to meet increasing demand for freeze-dried pet food. The COVID-19 pandemic has substantially increased pet ownership to a record 70 percent of U.S. households, according to company officials.

“Pet owners have shown a steadily increasing desire for high-protein, nutrient dense, and raw nutrition pet food options when feeding their new family members,” said Petsource President Amy Patterson. “I’m thrilled that Petsource and the community of Seward can be part of the solution for our pet food customers seeking to meet the growing demand for freeze-dried pet food.”

Petsource’s $50 million Seward facility became fully operational in November 2020 and now employs just over 100 people. The expansion is a critical component to larger strategic growth plans supporting the pet food industry, which include over $200 million in planned capital investment, according to the company.

“The Petsource facility in Seward has been a big success,” said Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts. “Only a year after opening, it’s already planning a major increase in capacity. This expansion will create more jobs as well as opportunities for Nebraska farmers and ranchers to supply chicken and beef to source the facility. Congratulations to Seward, and thanks to Scoular for choosing to grow here in the Good Life!”

Petsource is a turnkey contract manufacturer for the pet food industry, meaning it produces products to support its pet food customers’ brand names rather than its own. The company provides recipe development, raw meat processing, freeze-drying, and packaging solutions. It is among the first nationwide to bring these steps together in one integrated facility.

“Petsource has been a tremendous community partner for Seward,” added Jonathan Jank, CEO and Executive Director of the Seward County Chamber and Development Partnership. “Their expansion will be the single largest economic development project investment in the history of Seward County. We’re grateful for Petsource’s continued growth, which will benefit the area for years to come.”