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, Pet Food Production Center

12/15/2016
Mars Petcare will expand its Fort Smith pet food manufacturing facility in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The site, which produces CESAR and NUTRO brand dog food and SHEBA wet cat food, will convert a can line into a tray line and add two new lines at the facility.

As part of the expansion, Mars Petcare has committed to invest $72 million, with the potential investment up to $110 million in the Fort Smith location and create 130 new jobs over the next few years. This investment is in addition to the $130 million invested in the site between 2007 and 2015, which created more than 200 full-time jobs.

“Since the site was built, the city of Fort Smith and state of Arkansas have been tremendously supportive of our investments and business,” said Mark Johnson, President of Mars Petcare. “Their support and the high-quality Northwest Arkansas workforce have enabled our continued growth – ensuring we can continue to feed more pets.”

“Mars Petcare’s decision to expand this facility speaks highly of the company’s existing workforce in Fort Smith,” said Governor Asa Hutchinson. “This is a very significant investment that will impact not only the local economy but that of the state. Thanks to the leadership of Mars Petcare for choosing to grow in Arkansas and the associates who make it such a great place to work.”

“Mars Petcare’s decision to expand its operation in Fort Smith is outstanding news. Since 2007, the Chamber and the Mars leadership team have partnered together, building the original project and working on their subsequent growth in western Arkansas, the economic development engine of the state. This announcement reinforces Mars’ commitment to this community and we’re fortunate to have a world-class company like them in our backyard,” said Tim Allen, President of the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Exclusive Research