South Dakota Ag Connection - Royal Canin to Open State-of-the-Art Manufacturing Plant

South Dakota Ag News Headlines

Royal Canin to Open State-of-the-Art Manufacturing Plant
South Dakota Ag Connection - 06/28/2016

Royal Canin USA, a subsidiary of Mars, Inc., announced the construction of a new state-of-the art manufacturing facility in North Sioux City, S.D. A groundbreaking event was held today at the site of the new plant to mark the launch of the first phase of the project, which includes an investment expected to exceed $100 million.

"We're fortunate to have an outstanding corporate citizen in Royal Canin," said South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard. "With facilities on five continents, Royal Canin could have invested about anywhere, but they chose South Dakota."

In the past five years, Mars has invested $1 billion in U.S. factories and operations. Royal Canin currently operates a manufacturing facility at the site. Growth of the brand, along with projected future demand, led to the decision to expand manufacturing capacity. Expanding operations in North Sioux City demonstrates Mars' commitment to investment in U.S. manufacturing and to the local community, says Daniel Klapuch, site director for Royal Canin in North Sioux City.

"We have always been proud to be a part of the North Sioux City community and to partner with the State of South Dakota," said Klapuch. "Building our new factory here clearly shows that Mars is committed to manufacturing in the United States to meet the growing demand from U.S. pet owners."

Royal Canin Associates and members of the local community attended the ceremonial groundbreaking. Special guests included South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard, North Sioux City Mayor Randy Frederickson and Royal Canin USA President Keith Levy.

"This is a great example of the Principle of Mutuality, and how Mars' partnerships with state and local governments help our communities grow," said Keith Levy. "We'd like to thank Governor Daugaard and The State of South Dakota, Mayor Frederickson and the City of North Sioux City, the North Sioux City Economic Development Corporation, the Siouxland Area Chamber of Commerce, and the great people of tri-state area for their continued support."

"The city of North Sioux City is excited Royal Canin decided to continue to invest in our community and locate its new wet production facility here. Their presence will not only benefit South Dakota's economic growth, but the tri-state area as well," said Paige Petersen, executive director, North Sioux City Economic Development. "This project will add value to our business community, influence business development and offer quality jobs to our community. We look forward to seeing the partnership between Royal Canin and the city grow for years to come."

Furthering the record of charitable giving and community involvement by Royal Canin Associates, the company will donate approximately 10,000 pounds of cat and dog food to the Siouxland Humane Society and Noah's Hope Animal Rescue.

"At Mars, it's our goal to make a better world for pets," said Levy. "We're proud to partner with the Siouxland Humane Society and Noah's Hope Animal Rescue to support the great work they do in the Sioux City area to help find homes for cats and dogs and enrich the lives of people who adopt them."

The new facility is scheduled to begin production in April 2019 and will be built to meet leading-edge environmental standards, and will pursue a LEED Gold Certified designation upon completion, demonstrating Mars' commitment to sustainability. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is the nationally-accepted benchmark for designing, constructing and operating green buildings.

In 1911, Frank C. Mars made the first Mars candies in his Tacoma, Wash., kitchen and established Mars' first roots as a confectionery company. In the 1920s, Forrest E. Mars Sr. joined his father in business and together they launched the MILKY WAY bar. In 1932, Forrest Sr. moved to the United Kingdom with a dream of building a business based on the objective of creating a "mutuality of benefits for all stakeholders" -- this objective serves as the foundation of Mars today. Based in McLean, Va., Mars has net sales of more than $33 billion, six business segments including Petcare, Chocolate, Wrigley, Food, Drinks, Symbioscience, and more than 75,000 Associates worldwide that are putting its Principles into action to make a difference for people and the planet through its performance.

Royal Canin USA is a leader in science-based cat and dog health nutrition. Founded by a veterinarian in 1968, Royal Canin has more than 40 years of experience in delivering individualized nutritional solutions. In collaboration with an expert team of nutritionists, breeders and veterinarians from around the world, Royal Canin places cats and dogs at the central point of the innovation process. The Royal Canin product line offers a range of diets based on size, age, breed, lifestyle and therapeutic requirements. Royal Canin diets are available at veterinary hospitals and pet specialty stores nationwide. Royal Canin is a subsidiary of Mars, Incorporated.

Other South Dakota Headlines