SECAUCUS, N.J. — Freshpet, Inc. on Feb. 25 announced plans to expand its fresh pet food operations to Texas to meet increasing demand and accelerate growth. It will build its third Freshpet Kitchen in Ennis, approximately 40 miles south of Dallas.

The company has maintained at least 20% growth year-to-year over the last two years, and is now looking to take its operations to the next level with new production sites in the US.

The facility will be constructed in two phases. Phase one will span approximately 400,000 sq. ft. and set to be up and running in 2022. Phase two will add approximately 200,000 sq. ft., making the finished plant Freshpet’s largest manufacturing campus at about 600,000 sq. ft.

Once running at full capacity, the Ennis facility will allow Freshpet to produce enough pet food to exceed $1 billion in total annual revenue by 2025, which is one strategic goal for the company to fuel its next stage of growth.

“Our third Freshpet Kitchen is in the perfect location to help us drive new innovation while making our food in a way that’s best for pets, people and the planet,” said Billy Cyr, CEO of Freshpet. “We wanted the home of our next Kitchen to be a place that we would be proud to send our employees to live and work and Ennis blew us away with the compelling vision of their leadership, the ongoing investments they have made to their infrastructure and the availability of top-notch talent to support our growth.”

According to the company, Ennis is taking part in a five-year economic plan to improve the local economy and quality of life for the community. Freshpet said its new facility is expected to employ more than 400 people once running at full capacity.

“We are very proud to have Freshpet as the newest member of our family,” commented Ennis Mayor Angeline Juenemann.

Freshpet said it will extend its environmental operational policies, which include zero waste-to-landfill and using 100% wind energy, to the Ennis facility.

Read more about pet food and treat operations.