PERHAM, Minn. — Tuffy’s Pet Foods Inc., a subsidiary of KLN Family Brands, held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Delano, Minnesota pet treat manufacturing facility on Aug. 7. The company was joined by construction partner CRB, Pinky Swear Foundation and Founding Fathers Pet Treats, as well as other Delano officials.

The 173,500-sq.-ft. facility will include two extrusion lines and six packaging lines. An estimated 9,000 lbs. of semi-moist pet treats will be produced hourly inside the facility and packaged into stand-up, re-sealable pouches.

Tuffy’s said the factory will employ 50 people at the beginning of its operations but is expected to employ 150 people at full capacity.

“Delano is open for business and our beautiful city couldn’t be more excited to have such a highly respected family-owned company add jobs and vitality to Delano,” said Mayor Dale Graunke during the ceremony. “We want Tuffy’s Pet Foods to feel as home in Delano as they do in Perham.”

Kansas City-based CRB plans to design and construct the new Tuffy’s plant to be Green Globe certified. Green Globe Certification is a sustainability performance standard measured by 44 core criteria and more than 380 compliance indicators encompassing environmental, social and economic, environmental and cultural business initiatives.

According to Tuffy’s, the new facility will incorporate the most modern features of food safety, efficiency and flexibility, along with sustainable practices to reduce the plant’s environmental impact.

“Tuffy’s is committed to producing great products for four-legged family members,” said Charlie Nelson, president of KLN Family Brands. “We are equally committed to being a great corporate citizen and an important part of the Delano business community.”

Read more about pet food processing operations on our Operations page.