TACOMA, WASH. and DENVER — Pet Food Experts, a leading distributor for independent pet retailers, announced plans to expand its two distribution centers in Washington and Colorado. The expansions are expected to occur during the next two months.

According to the company, it supports 6,800 independent pet retailers throughout the United States, with about 160 million pounds of pet food and supplies passing through its six distribution centers yearly. Over the last year, Pet Food Experts expanded its distribution centers in the Midwest, Pacific Northwest and Mountain Region as growth in the pet industry continues to rise.

"The expansion of our Tacoma and Denver distribution centers is consistent with our long-standing history of building infrastructure to support sustainable growth," said Michael Baker, president and chief executive officer, Pet Food Experts. "With consumer demand for premium pet food and supplies at an all-time high, the additional capacity will allow us to continue to expand our reach and provide more value to our customers.”

The expansion of the Tacoma, Wash., facility is estimated to increase capacity by 150%, according to the company, and will be equipped with a 6,000-square-foot freezer and 15 new dock doors.

"I congratulate Pet Food Experts on its recent agreement to relocate and expand its distribution center in the Evergreen State,” said Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards. “This expansion will provide a nice boost to our local economy and create opportunities in the Tacoma area. I look forward to working with them as we lift up our families and community.”

The company’s Denver facility will be relocated and rebuilt. The new 157,000-square-foot facility, located about 12 miles from its current location, will include 30 high-level bay doors and a 6,000-square-foot freezer. According to Pet Food Experts, the new Denver facility will more than double previous storage capacity.

"In an animal-loving city like Denver, we're honored that Pet Food Experts is growing its Colorado footprint here," said Jen Morris, economic development and opportunity interim executive director of Denver. "Seeing this distribution center move to Denver's Montebello neighborhood further drives our mission to increase job opportunities and will greatly benefit local families and surrounding local businesses."

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