A company that creates and produces fresh, natural refrigerated food for pets without the use of powders, preservatives, or additives, Freshpet, Inc. will build a new pet food manufacturing facility in Ennis, Texas.

The new facility will create 427 new jobs and more than $264 million in capital investment. As an incentive the company will receive a Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) grant of $2,138,000 has been extended to Freshpet, Inc.

"Like a growing number of pet parents, we believe that our dogs and cats are our family and they deserve fresh, healthy food to help them live their best lives," said Billy Cyr, CEO of Freshpet. "Our third Freshpet Kitchen is in the perfect location to help us drive new innovation while making our food in a way that’s best for pets, people and the planet. We wanted the home of our next Kitchen to be a place that we would be proud to send our employees to live and work and Ennis blew us away with the compelling vision of their leadership, the ongoing investments they have made to their infrastructure, and the availability of top-notch talent to support our growth."

"Texas is proud to welcome Freshpet to our great state, and we are excited to see the impact their incredible investment will have in the Ennis community," said Governor Greg Abbott. "The Lone Star State continues to attract companies like Freshpet for a reason, our economic model maximizes opportunity and minimizes stifling regulations, allowing businesses and our workforce to thrive. With companies like Freshpet choosing to invest in our great state, we will continue to secure a future of prosperity and opportunity for every Texan."

"Teamwork makes the difference. When there is cooperation, encouragement, and persistence, great things happen! I am so proud and applaud all our partners at the State of Texas, including Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker of the House Dennis Bonnen, State Senator Brian Birdwell and State Representative John Wray, Ellis County Judge Todd Little, each of the Ellis County Commissioners, and our very own City Commission. From the very beginning of this project there has been a great chemistry between Texas and Freshpet. Our values and commitment to a culture of live, work, and play are at the heart of everything we do. Ennis is the very best place in the world to call home, and we are very proud to have Freshpet as the newest member of our family," said City of Ennis Mayor, Angeline Juenemann.