Mars Petcare is owned by candy maker Mars, Inc., which manufactures items like Snickers, Mars and Twix candy bars.
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updated: 7/31/2007 1:33:34 PM
[UPDATED] Pet Food Manufacturer to Double Workforce in Indiana
Mars Petcare USA says it will expand its pet food production in east central Indiana in Portland and double its workforce, creating 51 new jobs. The company, which manufactures dog biscuits at the Jay County facility, will invest $12 million in the plant to add production lines to manufacture and package dry pet products under the brands Pedigree, Whiskas and Sheba.
Source: Inside INdiana Business
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Plant Manager Doug Reed says the facility will also manufacture a product that is new to the pet food industry.
Press Release
PORTLAND, Ind. (July 31, 2007) – Mars Pet Care USA, a subsidiary of international food producer Mars Inc., announced today it will expand its pet food production here, creating 51 new jobs.
Mars, which currently manufactures dog biscuits at its Jay County facility, will invest more than $12 million to add multiple production lines to manufacture and package dry pet food products under the brand names of Pedigree, Whiskas, Sheba and others.
“We’re excited to bring new jobs anywhere in Indiana, but there’s a special joy when a great smaller town like Portland is involved,” said Governor Mitch Daniels. “Indiana’s comeback has to include smaller communities, and it is happening.”
The investment and more than doubling of the company’s 50-person workforce in Portland comes nearly a year after Mars purchased the facility as part of its acquisition of former plant owner Doane Pet Care.
“The expansion of our Portland facility will fill a vital role in strengthening Mars’ pet food production network,” said Doug Reed, manager of Mars’ Portland production facility.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered the company up to $565,000 in performance-based tax credits and up to $40,000 in training grants. The City of Portland offered the company property tax abatement worth $325,000 and $48,250 in training assistance.
“We appreciate the investment and expansion Mars Pet Care USA is creating in the City of Portland,” said Mayor Bruce W. Hosier. “This expansion project is another example of the confidence existing businesses have in growing and investing in the City of Portland. We look forward to our continued partnership with Governor Daniels, IEDC and the other entities involved for the betterment of our city, county and state.”
About Mars, Incorporated
Mars, Incorporated is a worldwide manufacturer of candies, pet food and other food products. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, the company’s products include snackfood favorites M&M'S, SNICKERS, MARS and TWIX; food products UNCLE BENS and FLAVIA; and pet food PEDIGREE, CESAR, WHISKAS, SHEBA, KITEKAT, TRILL, AQUARIAN and WINERGY. The company acquired Doane Pet Care in June 2006. Doane owned 32 plants worldwide, including 24 in the continental US. The $1 billion company owned 70 percent market share of the private label dry dog food business.
About IEDC
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation is the state’s premier entity charged with economic development. The IEDC has a 12-member board chaired by Governor Mitch Daniels. Indiana Secretary of Commerce Nathan Feltman is also chief executive officer of the IEDC. For more information about IEDC, visit www.iedc.IN.gov.
Source: Indiana Economic Development Corp.
