KANSAS CITY, MO. — CRB, an engineering, design and construction firm serving the pet food manufacturing industry, announced Jan. 26 it has hired Jim Higley as director of business development.

Higley brings more than 25 years of experience to his new role, including in integrated project delivery, construction management and operations in the food, pet care, meat processing, ingredient, automated distribution and other markets.

"Jim's combination of project delivery capability and extensive connections across the food and beverage space further positions us to meet the needs of clients, who are increasingly seeking integrated solutions to deliver projects with certainty of cost and schedule – and at the high level of quality for which we're known," said Jeff Rozelle, Midwest regional leader for CRB. "His arrival at CRB is a strong signal to the market that we are laser-focused on being the leading destination for top talent, as well as the number one choice for clients as they consider new projects."

CRB’s recent hire contributes to its ONEsolution initiative, which works to support its clients through each phase of facility construction, from planning to operation.

The firm recently signed on to support two large-scale pet food processing facilities, Freshpet’s new facility in Ennis, Texas, which is currently under construction, and Tuffy’s Treat Company’s Delano, Minn. pet treat plant, which was completed in December 2020.

Read more about personnel changes throughout the industry.