€16 million: Snellman to relocate production to expand capacity

The Snellman Group, a Finnish meat company, owns the raw dog food brands MUSH, Fodax and Raw for Paw. It has applied to the government to build a new factory in Pedersöre, located in the western region of Ostrobothnia, 460 km north of the capital, Helsinki.

The Jakobstad-based group plans to relocate its raw pet food production from one of its two current facilities. Magnus Pettersson, the Director of Snellman Petfood, says the expansion would increase capacity and replace a “cramped” facility in Finland.

Currently, the company can produce 150 tons of frozen food per week. The new facility would raise that number to 250 tons.

“The new factory would be a significant step in implementing the growth strategy of Snellman’s pet food business and for our commitment to natural raw pet food and the well-being of pets,” Pettersson states.

Eyeing new markets

In an interview with GlobalPETS, he says the new factory will have room to create oven-dried and air-dried treats, which are a new area for Snellman, one Petterson says would bring in new growth.

He also hinted at expansion into new regions. Currently, the company focuses primarily on the Nordic countries, but that focus may widen. “With this investment, we can further increase sales in Central Europe through our distributors,” he notes.

“Equipped with the latest production technology and efficient energy solutions, the new factory will enable us to increase our production capacity and develop new products,” Magnus Pettersson says.

Expand their presence

According to Pettersson, this expansion will strengthen the company’s position in the Nordic markets and enhance their ability to export high-quality products to “more countries across Europe and beyond.”

With an annual turnover of around €25 million ($27.4M), Snellman’s pet offerings have grown rapidly over the years. In 2023, the group won the GlobalPETS Forum Award for “lifelong customers in an omnimarket.”