Mars, Inc. has opened a new £355 million Royal Canin dry petfood facility in Lewisburg, Ohio. The 450,000-square-foot factory is the company’s largest Royal Canin site globally and is expected to create up to 270 jobs over the next five years.
The plant will produce enough petfood to feed about 4 million cats and dogs annually. It is part of Mars’ broader US investment strategy, which has totalled over £4.74 billion in domestic operations over the past five years. Mars currently operates 37 factories and employs more than 70,000 people in the United States.
The facility uses standard manufacturing systems seen at other Royal Canin sites and will produce the brand’s regional dry kibble range. It is also the first Royal Canin location to receive Silver LEED certification for its construction and operations.
Mars CEO Poul Weihrauch said the investment strengthens the company’s commitment to US-based production and science-based pet nutrition. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine welcomed the move, citing confidence in the state’s workforce and business climate.
Daryn Brown, Royal Canin North America’s regional president, said the facility supports the company’s goal to meet growing demand in the pet nutrition sector.
