KANSAS CITY, MO. — On July 27, the Missouri Department of Economic Development announced an $82 million investment by Mars Petcare to expand the company’s dog and cat treat manufacturing facility in Kansas City. The expansion will increase production capacity for the company’s GREENIES™ products by more than 940 million treats annually, a 75% increase from current production numbers.

“As the bond between people and their pets has never been stronger, we’re dedicated to answering the ever-growing needs of pet parents and furthering our purpose: A Better World for Pets,” said Ikdeep Singh, global president at Mars Pet Nutrition. “We’re proud to deepen our commitment to Kansas City and to our associates who play a critical role in continuing to deliver product innovation to meet the new ways pet parents seek to bond with and feed their pets.”

The company will also install new processing and packaging equipment, utilities and infrastructure to support growing demand for pet treats.

“We applaud Mars Petcare for its commitment to Missouri and its continued investment in Kansas City,” said Missouri Governor Mike Parson. “Since the facility opened in 2006, Mars Petcare has embraced local talent to create jobs and boost the regional economy. We look forward to seeing the additional positive impact this expansion will have for our state.”

Mars Petcare produces GREENIES PILL POCKETS, GREENIES Dog Supplements, GREENIES Dental Dog Treats, and Pill Assist™ for cats by its subsidiary, Royal Canin.

The Kansas City facility currently employs more than 260 people. The expansion is expected to create 95 new associate-level jobs in the area.

“We're thrilled to have Mars Petcare continue to expand in our community,” said Steven Anthony, executive director of business development for the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City. “Their growth is indicative of the momentum we're seeing in new job creation and business attraction as a result of our business-friendly leadership and focus on making KCMO a great place to live and work.”

Construction is already underway and the project is slated for completion in early 2023.

“Kansas City’s strong workforce and pro-business climate have made it a vibrant and ideal location for manufacturers like Mars Petcare,” said Maggie Kost, acting director of the Department of Economic Development. “This expansion is creating more quality jobs and demonstrates confidence in our state’s business advantages. We appreciate our partners’ work on this significant project that will strengthen the Kansas City region’s ability to prosper for years to come.”

This marks Mars Petcare’s second major facility expansion announcement so far in 2022. In late February, the company announced a $100 million investment over the next three years to expand its wet pet food manufacturing facility in Querétaro, Mexico.

Royal Canin, a Mars subsidiary, has also made moves to expand its production capacity and diversify its portfolio. The company acquired Nom Nom Now, a direct-to-consumer fresh pet food manufacturer based in Nashville, Tenn., in early 2022 through Mars Petcare. Royal Canin also announced plans to expand with a $185 million investment in its existing plant in North Sioux City, SD. The brand was awarded a $3.9 million grant from the Office of Economic Development of South Dakota’s Reinvestment Payment Program to support the project.

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