EMPORIA, Kan. — Simmons Pet Food, Inc. cut the ribbon at its new, expanded $60 million flexible packaging plant in Emporia on June 6, which will bring an estimated 100 to 200 jobs to the area once the facility is running at full capacity.

This comes as the market for cup, tub and pouch packaging is projected to grow in the US. Simmons plans to utilize the expanded facility to meet this demand and deliver flexible packaging solutions in new international markets.

“The expansion of our operations in Emporia signals to our customers that we are stepping up our game in a major way. We want to build strong and lasting relationships with our customers and flexible packaging is what our customers expect,” said Jason Godsey, president of Simmons Pet Food.

“Now we have the capacity and the capability to meet growing market demand and accentuate our leadership in the industry. The economic vitality of this region is a big part of enabling Simmons Pet Food to make this happen. We are Emporia Proud,” Godsey added.

The new facility’s increased capacity will produce nine million cups and 2.4 million cases of tubs for pet food annually by 2022, according to Simmons.

“Today is a celebration of a job well done on the Simmons Pet Food expansion. This is the culmination of a long and successful partnership between Simmons, the City of Emporia and the Emporia Regional Development Association (RDA),” said Kent Heermann, president, RDA of East Central Kansas.

Simmons Pet Food is a North American private-label and contract manufacturer of wet and dry pet food and treats. The company operates three wet pet food production facilities, a dry pet food facility and a treats production facility. These operations are in Northwest Arkansas, Kansas, New Jersey and Ontario, Canada. Prior to this new expansion, Simmons Pet Food employed approximately 500 team members at its Emporia location.

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