Hill’s to build new pet food plant in Emporia

TOPEKA Hill’s Pet Nutrition plans to build a new pet food manufacturing plant in Emporia, the company announced Wednesday.

Hill’s plans to start construction on the new $100 million plant early next year and begin production in 2009. More than 100 people will be employed in the Emporia plant.

Hill’s will continue to operate its global headquarters, pet nutrition center and canned pet food manufacturing facility in Topeka. Hill’s reached agreement with the city of Emporia to build the 300,000-square-foot plant on an 80-acre site on South Weaver Street in Industrial Park No. 3. The agreement is contingent upon a planned rezoning of a small portion of the tract and completion of analysis of the site, said Hill’s in a news release issued this morning.

“Kansas has been home to Hill’s for more than 60 years, and we look forward to expanding our presence here to support the continuing growth of our business,” said Justin Skala, president of Hill’s North America. “This was a rigorous, yearlong process, and we greatly appreciate the assistance we received from state and local officials.”

More than a dozen sites were evaluated for accessibility, infrastructure, economic incentives, cost and the quality of the workforce. Gardner, Ottawa and Harrisonville, Mo., also competed for the plant.

Skala said the recently passed Senate Bill 240 was an important factor in the decision. The bill provides tax relief, making Kansas competitive with other states, including Missouri.

“The best way to keep our economy growing is to do what we can to support solid companies like Hill’s,” Gov. Kathleen Sebelius said in a statement. “That’s why we took steps to get key legislation passed this session, and I’m pleased Hill’s has decided to strengthen their presence in Kansas.”

source: www.dodgeglobe.com