United PetFood seeks expansion of operations in Mishawaka
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The U.S. subsidiary of a Belgium-based pet food company is looking to grow its presence in northern Indiana.
United PetFood Producers USA Inc. plans to invest $5.4 million to demolish an existing warehouse building on its Mishawaka campus and replace it with a new warehouse and distribution facility.
City Planner Derek Spier told the Mishawaka Common Council this week that the construction of the 69,000-square-foot facility will help retain 101 employees, and the project will result in 19 new jobs.
United PetFood is seeking a five-year real property tax abatement in support of the project.
The company acquired the former Wellness Pet Co. facility in June of last year. Vice President Elodie Fleury told the council the investment is not just a business decision, but a commitment by the company to stay in the community and invest in it.
“This building that we have here is in a poor stage right now, and we’re really trying to revitalize the whole area and really adding to the community to really elevate the whole neighborhood,” Fleury said.
A resolution on the tax abatement received unanimous approval on first reading by the council. If ultimately approved, Spier said construction could begin next month and be complete by the end of the year.
The new jobs will be comprised of unskilled positions at $24 per hour and eight salary positions at $42 per hour. Spier said the annual salaries will total about $1.2 million.
City Councilor Gregg Hixenbaugh told Fleury that he supports the company’s continued investment in the area.
“I think anybody who is familiar with the area and has driven by there would agree that this is an area that would not continue to develop, and it would be difficult for you to invest in it without the continued partnership with the city,” Hixenbaugh said. “I’m really optimistic about the direction that you’re heading in, and this does feel to me like it’s a good investment on the part of Mishawaka to help you continue to develop and maintain that area.”