Consultants Forum Advertise
Subscribe
Close

  • Free for qualified executives and consultants to industry

  • Receive quarterly issues of Area Development Magazine and special market report and directory issues

Subscribe Now
Renew

Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Mars Petcare Expands Fort Smith, Arkansas, Manufacturing Facility

01/18/2021
Mars Petcare will invest $145 million to expand its manufacturing facility located in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The project is expected to create 120 new full-time jobs, with further expansion planned for the future,

The expansion builds on a series of investments that Mars Petcare has made in its Fort Smith facility, totaling more than $420 million to date.

"At Mars Petcare, everything we do is in service of our purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS," said Ikdeep Singh, Regional President of Mars Petcare North America. "The investment in our Fort Smith manufacturing facility enables us to continue to serve the ever-growing needs of pets and pet parents and represents our commitment to our Associates and this community."

The facility expansion will begin this month and is scheduled for completion in 2022. With the investment, the company will add more than 200,000 square-feet and two additional production lines, increasing production capacity by more than 40 percent.

"The good news in Fort Smith just keeps coming," Arkansas Commerce Secretary Mike Preston said. "Mars Petcare is a growing company with strong customer loyalty. They had several options for this latest expansion, but they knew that Fort Smith has what it takes to help the company continue to prosper. I'm excited to continue our relationship and wish them great success here."

Since opening in September 2009, the Fort Smith facility, which is one of 14 Mars Petcare sites in the United States, has been a fundamental manufacturing hub for tray format foods, making brands like SHEBA, CESAR, IAMS and NUTRO.

"When a company expands operations time and time again because of its positive experience with a community, it's extraordinary," said Tim Allen, President and CEO of the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce. "Mars Petcare's decision to expand its operation in Fort Smith again is wonderful news. In operation since 2009, Mars has shown its commitment to the region and strengthened their place as a true growth partner and world-class company."

Exclusive Research