MCLEAN, VA. — Mars, Incorporated announced the expansion of its US Royal Canin manufacturing capacity through the opening of its new 450,000-square-foot facility in Lewisburg, Ohio. The $450 million site will create up to 270 new full-time jobs over the next five years and will produce enough dry pet food to feed 4 million pets annually, according to Mars. 

The opening of this facility is part of a larger $6 billion investment in US-based manufacturing by Mars over the past five years. In the United States, Mars currently has a presence in 49 states, employs more than 70,000 associates and operates 37 factories in addition to veterinary clinics, labs and 14 global and regional offices.

The new facility is Royal Canin’s largest dry pet food factory globally.

| Source: Mars, Incorporated / Royal Canin

“Our latest investment in Ohio is an important milestone in Mars’ ongoing commitment to US-based manufacturing,” said Poul Weirauch, chief executive officer of Mars. “Over the last five years, we invested over $6 billion in the United States, and we plan to continue to grow our ability to supply the domestic market. The Royal Canin facility in Lewisburg provides an important opportunity to further Mars science-based innovation while supporting a community of people and pets that has long been a part of the Mars family.”

The state-of-the-art facility uses standardized systems and process designs tested across Royal Canin facilities to replicate the brand’s specific nutrition. According to Mars, the site can manufacture the brand’s entire regional dry kibble portfolio, making it the largest dry pet food factory globally for the brand. The facility has also earned a Silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.

“The decision by Royal Canin and parent company Mars to locate in Ohio represents a significant vote of confidence in Ohio’s business environment, our talented, highly trained workforce and our outstanding quality of life,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “We are pleased that Royal Canin is locating in Lewisburg and we look forward to partnering with them as they succeed in Ohio, the heart of it all.”

Daryn Brown, regional president of Royal Canin North America, added, “The investment made into our Lewisburg site continues to represent the growth of the pet nutrition industry and the evolving needs of our pets and their owners.  We’re proud to expand and scale our capabilities to provide tailored nutrition to our North American market and continue expanding our presence within Lewisburg and Preble County.”

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