PREBLE COUNTY — More than 220 jobs could be coming to a pet food supplier as the company recently secured a tax credit from the state for a 390 million investment at its existing plant near Lewisburg.
The Ohio Tax Credit Authority has granted a job creation tax credit for Royal Canin, a pet food supplier, for a new project near Lewisburg that is expected to create 224 full-time jobs, the Governor’s office announced.
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“We are excited to expand our presence in the Lewisburg area and continue to partner with the State of Ohio to invest in U.S. manufacturing and the local community,” said Roland Hooley, Vice President of Value Chain Operations for Royal Canin North America. “This expansion fuels the local economy and allows us to further invest in communities like Lewisburg where we are proud to call home.”
The company is planning to build a new 450,000 square-foot facility beginning in May and it hopes to start operations there in the second half of 2023, a spokesperson for Royal Canin said.
Royal Canin supplies dog and cat food to several local stores, including PetSmart, Petco and Pet Supplies Plus, according to its website.
The new factory will manufacture both Royal Canin and Eukanuba pet food.
According to the state, Royal Canin is expected to create $11.5 million in new annual payroll while also retaining its existing $5.4 million in payroll as a result of the new project.
Royal Canin currently is located off State Route 503 just south of I-70 in Harrison Twp., Preble County, where it houses the company’s Pet Health Nutrition Center.
Royal Canin is owned by parent company Mars, Inc.