(PRESS RELEASE) ROCKFORD, IL — Phelps Pet Products, a leading private label and branded manufacturer of clean-label meaty dog treats, has reached an agreement with Simmons Pet Food to acquire all of the pet treat production equipment from their Siloam Springs, AR, facility. The acquisition will more than double the production capacity at Phelps and also expand its portfolio of treat-making capabilities.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Simmons on this transformational growth step which will bring expanded state-of-the-art capacity and new capabilities to better service our customers,” shared Rick Ruffolo, CEO & president of Phelps Pet Products. “After three years of unprecedented growth, there was an urgent need for significantly more capacity to fulfill the increasing customer demand for our innovative ‘Made in the USA’ treats, USDA certified organic recipes, our upcycled ingredient options and our first-to-market plant-based (meatless) jerky treats.”
“We are excited to be investing over $20 million in the new equipment, additional team members, and expanded capacity and capabilities,” stated Rich Bartuska, director of operations at Phelps Pet Products. The company is targeting to start-up the new equipment/new lines in Q3 2022 including working with many of the dog treat customers previously serviced by Simmons.
“We are a company of pet lovers, and as we move full speed ahead growing the capacity of our core pet food business as announced in 2021, we are pleased to know that Phelps Pet Products will put this equipment to good use to expand their pet treats capabilities. We are excited about their potential as the industry continues to experience unprecedented growth,” said Scott Salmon, president of Simmons Pet Food.
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