(PRESS RELEASE) DELANO, MN — KLN Family Brands and Tuffy’s Pet Foods Inc. announced that a new Tuffy’s Treat Co. manufacturing facility in Delano, MN, is now operating.
Construction on the 174,000-square-foot plant began in August 2019. At the time, Twin Cities Business reported that the plant would be a $60 million facility.
The plant currently employs 40 and is expected to reach 100-125 employees when operating at full capacity. It contains an on-site warehouse and shell space for expansion. The facility was constructed by Kansas City, MO-based CRB, a global consulting, design and construction services firm. The facility is designed to achieve Green Globe Certification for sustainability.
The plant features two extrusion lines producing 9,000 pounds of semi-moist pet treats each hour and six packaging lines producing stand-up resealable pouches. Tuffy’s Treat Co.’s new plant will help fill the growing demand for pet treats. Already a nearly $7 billion market in the U.S., the pet treat industry is expected grow at a compound annual growth rate of 2.8 percent through 2023.
“Since 1964, Tuffy’s has been committed to producing great products for our beloved four-legged family members,” said Charlie Nelson, president and CEO of Tuffy’s Pet Foods parent company KLN Family Brands. “The new plant will allow us to expand our offerings and meet consumer demand for healthy treats that are made lovingly and produced safely. The City of Delano and its business community have been incredibly welcoming to us. We are committed to adding to the quality of life in Delano and the surrounding area.”
“We couldn’t be more thrilled that Tuffy’s Pet Foods chose Delano for its new plant,” said Delano Mayor Dale Graunke. “The company has an unparalleled reputation for quality, community service and employee benefits. Their commitment is a vote of confidence in Delano and a great win for our residents.”
The ultramodern facility will provide the safest environment for pet food safety, efficiency and flexibility. The facility is designed to meet and exceed the stringent requirements of today’s pet food market using sustainable operations that reduce the plant’s environmental footprint and waste.