Colgate-Palmolive is planning on purchasing three dry petfood manufacturing plants in the US from Red Collar Pet Foods. The move, which will cost the company a total of US$700 million, is aimed to support the global growth of its Hill’s Pet Nutrition business.

The plants, which are based in South Carolina, Oklahoma and Ohio, will be integrated into Hill’s global supply network to produce dry petfood for Hill’s Science Diet and Prescription Diet plans. The purchase agreement also includes the transfer of 350 employees involved in dry petfood operations.

Hill’s is in the process of building a new canned petfood manufacturing facility in Tonganoxie, Kansas, with production scheduled to begin next year. In April it completed the acquisition of a canned petfood plant in Italy, also to help meet demand for its science-led pet nutrition diets.

“Our Hill’s business is growing well, and we continue to invest to expand production capacity, improve our capabilities with initiatives like our new Small Paws Innovation Center, and better engage pet parents, veterinarians and Hill’s retail partners,” says Noel Wallace, Chairman, President and CEO of Colgate-Palmolive. “This investment will help further strengthen the Hill’s business today and for the long term.”

The Small Paws Innovation Center was opened in June of last year and cost the company US$30 million. It is an innovation centre specially designed for small and mini dogs and will provide the opportunity to study their nutritional needs as well as behaviours and genetics. It includes state-of-the-art facilities and will be home to 80 small dogs who will receive specially formulated nutrition for their unique needs.

Red Collar, which is an Arbor Investments portfolio company, will be managing the dry petfood private label business for a transaction period and will continue to own and operate its pet treats business and facilities.

“Hill’s is committed to enriching and lengthening the special relationship between people and their pets,” explains John Hazlin, President of Hill’s Pet Nutrition. “This additional production capability will help us reach more pets with our science-led foods and enable us to raise the level of service we provide to the specialty retailers and veterinary professionals that offer our products.”

The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval, among other closing conditions.

For more information on Colgate-Palmolive visit their website, HERE.

For more information on Hill’s Pet Nutrition visit their website, HERE.