ROCKFORD, Ill. — Jones Naturals LLC has invested more than $1 million in a new shrink wrap machine that is expected to increase manufacturing capacity and improve production. The dog treat and chew company manufactures three brands and decided to invest in new equipment to keep up with record demand.

The company did not disclose the specific type of equipment that has been added to its production as a result of the investment, but a video of some of the new equipment in action suggests one new component is a ARPAC high-speed shrink wrap machine. ARPAC is a subsidiary company of Duravant.

“Jones Naturals has experienced unprecedented growth over the last year and a half, but one thing that has not changed is our commitment to producing the highest-quality, American-made dog treats and chews,” said Joe Wallington, president and CEO of Jones Naturals. “By adding state-of-the-art equipment to our existing facilities and streamlining our manufacturing process, we will be able to continue to meet the demand from our customers on a national level while keeping manufacturing jobs right here in Rockford.”

Continued support from investment partners and the adoption of a new, multi-channel brand strategy in 2017 have propelled the company’s recent growth. Earlier in 2019, Jones Naturals released a new brand, Grass Valley Farm, to add to its other two in-house brands, The Country Butcher and Jones Natural Chews. Within the Jones Natural Chews brand, which is the flagship brand of the company, the manufacturer offers super premium, organic protein and single-ingredient products.

Along with investing in equipment, Jones Naturals has increased employment by 80% over the past two years and expanded production to a 24/7 cycle in order to keep up with demand. The company now employs more than 200 people.

Jones Naturals is a family-owned pet treat business and operates three manufacturing facilities in Rockford. The processor uses only American-sourced natural ingredients and has a 99% on-time delivery record. 

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