TOPEKA, KAN. — Hill’s Pet Nutrition is expanding its manufacturing footprint in Kansas. The company announced June 18 plans to invest more than $250 million to construct a new pet food manufacturing facility in Leavenworth County, specifically Tonganoxie, creating at least 80 new jobs in the area by 2025.

"Hill's Pet Nutrition is excited to be growing our roots in Kansas,” said Jesper Nordengaard, president of Hill’s Pet Nutrition. “We've been part of the community for almost 80 years and this new facility will help us to meet our mission of enriching and lengthening the special relationships between people and their pets by providing our high-quality nutrition.”

Hill’s Pet Nutrition, a subsidiary of the Colgate-Palmolive Company, reported the new facility will help meet growing demand for its science-based dog and cat food products. The state-of-the-art facility will be located on 80 acres in Tonganoxie’s Business Park, and will include cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, according to the company.

"The new Tonganoxie facility will be built with the highest quality and food safety standards as well as the latest technology," said Jose Borrell, vice president of global supply chain at Hill’s.

The pet food company plans to certify its new Tonganoxie plant through the Total Resource Use and Efficiency (TRUE®) zero-waste program. Hill’s will also work to minimize its environmental footprint and natural resource use, as the company is actively doing at its four other US manufacturing plants in Emporia and Topeka.

"We will design our newest facility with sustainability at the forefront of our design. We plan to maximize our water and energy efficiency as well as continuing our commitment to be LEED Certified," added Bart Fisher, director of supply for Hill's.

The project was reviewed by the Tonganoxie City Council on Monday, June 21, and construction will begin once it is approved. The facility is slated for completion in 2023.

"Hill's Pet Nutrition's decision to invest $250 million in Kansas and bring 80 new jobs to Tonganoxie is further proof that Kansas' Animal Health Corridor can out-compete any region in the world for these industry investments and jobs," added Kansas Governor Laura Kelly. "With our central location, talented workforce and reputation as a global leader in animal health and science, our partnership with Hill's is a no-brainer."

Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland commented, "Kansas' expertise and prime location for animal health leaders is undeniable, and this planned investment from Hill's is proof. Thank you to Hill's for continuing to set the standard for Kansas animal health and pet food manufacturing. Our partnership with Hill's is a source of pride for our state, and I'm so proud to see that partnership continue to grow even stronger."

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