Production update (I): Latest US pet investments span new factories and facility upgrades

Pet food, animal health and retail companies are pursuing different growth strategies, from new manufacturing and distribution sites to acquisitions and upgrades to existing facilities.

Tractor Supply

The US rural lifestyle retailer has opened its 11th distribution center in Nampa, Idaho, which it describes as its “Gateway to the Pacific Northwest.” The 865,000-square-foot facility represents an investment of more than $200 million (€172M) and is expected to create 500 jobs in the region.

Located on a 116-acre site in Canyon County, the distribution center features 80 truck docks. It will initially serve 123 stores across 9 states, with infrastructure designed to support more than 200 stores at full operational capacity.

The facility is the first in Tractor Supply’s network to use automated storage and retrieval technology from global technology company KNAPP, which integrates conveying systems to store, sequence and transport products throughout the distribution center.

The site also has a dedicated AI Innovation Team focused on applying artificial intelligence to operational processes. Sustainability features include water-efficient systems, electric vehicle charging stations, energy-efficient lighting, stormwater management and recycling facilities.

CDV

The Argentine pharmaceutical company has opened its third veterinary vaccine production plant in the Pilar Industrial Park in Buenos Aires t, quadrupling its production capacity.

The company expects to reach an annual capacity of 450 million doses and expand into new markets. Product formulation for the Argentine market is scheduled to begin in the last quarter of 2026.

CDV invested $100 million (€86M) in the new facility, which spans 14,650 square meters on a 30,450-square-meter site. The plant meets World Class Manufacturing (WCM) standards and incorporates measures related to biosafety, quality, workplace safety, animal welfare and sustainability. It is also designed in accordance with good manufacturing practices (GMP) and the guidelines of the Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S).

The company aims to increase vaccine production for livestock while developing new products for other species, including pets and pigs. CDV currently exports to more than 30 countries and is working to enter and register its products in more than 40 additional markets. The new facility is intended to support this expansion by meeting the regulatory requirements of different export destinations.

“The fact that Plant 3 is now operational is the concrete result of an investment we have been preparing for more than 4 years, and it consolidates our capacity to supply the local market and the more than 70 countries where we have or will have a presence in the short term,” says Juan Roo, General Manager of CDV.

United Petfood

Belgian pet food manufacturer United Petfood has signed an agreement to acquire a dry pet food production facility in Decatur, Arkansas, from Wellness Pet Company.

The deal forms part of the company’s long-term growth strategy in the region and strengthens its local manufacturing capabilities. The Arkansas site will become United Petfood’s third production facility in North America, joining its existing plants in Mishawaka, Indiana, and Drummondville, Quebec.

“By expanding our local presence, we can combine the advantages of local production with the expertise and capabilities of our international network of pet kitchens, enabling us to continue growing alongside our customers,” says Dries Eeckhout, CEO of United Petfood Group.

United Petfood operates 31 production sites across Europe and the Americas and is active in more than 110 countries. The company generates annual revenue of more than €1.7 billion ($2B).

SANY Nutrition Group

SANY Nutrition Group has opened an over $30 million (€25.8M) manufacturing plant in Jonesboro, Arkansas, to produce specialized pet treats for private-label and direct-to-consumer brands, along with sports nutrition bars, functional baked goods and frozen snacks.

The facility is a retrofitted former processing plant that had been vacant since early 2025. According to the food manufacturer, the site is expected to create more than 150 jobs over the next 3 years.

In addition to finished products, the plant can manufacture ingredients, inclusions, fillings, coatings, bases and semi-finished products for food manufacturers, retailers, foodservice companies and brand partners.

SANY Nutrition Group’s product portfolio spans 6 categories comprising healthy snacks, sports nutrition, comfort and indulgent snacks, frozen plant-based products, bakery and pastries, and pet nutrition. Its offerings include high-protein and reduced-sugar products, functional snacks, performance bars and bites, plant-based foods, filled pastries and functional pet treats.

Kalmbach Feeds

Animal nutrition company Kalmbach Feeds has acquired a grain elevator and rail transloading facility from Mennel Milling Company. The deal’s financial terms were not disclosed.

Located in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, the facility features extensive grain storage capacity and infrastructure for high-capacity unit-train rail transloading. 

The acquisition gives Kalmbach more direct access to local grain supplies and strengthens its infrastructure for feed, pet food and ingredient manufacturing and distribution.

The additional storage and rail capabilities are also expected to improve the company’s supply chain flexibility and support its ability to serve customers.

Boehringer Ingelheim

German pharmaceutical and animal health company Boehringer Ingelheim has opened its new US Animal Health headquarters in Johns Creek, Georgia.

The company told GlobalPETS that the facility will serve as the central hub for its US Animal Health business, bringing together leadership and cross-functional teams responsible for coordinating supply, commercial operations and business support functions.

The headquarters supports the company’s pet, equine and livestock portfolios, with teams covering marketing, communications, finance, human resources, customer support and global and commercial supply.

Located near Boehringer Ingelheim’s research, development and manufacturing sites in Athens and Gainesville, Georgia, the headquarters is also connected to facilities in St. Joseph, Missouri, and Barceloneta, Puerto Rico.

According to the company, the site will help coordinate activities across its network, improve operational efficiency and support the delivery of animal health solutions to customers in the US and other markets.

Elanco Animal Health

The Indiana-based animal health company has completed a 25,000-square-foot manufacturing expansion at its Elwood, Kansas, facility. 

The $120 million (€103M) investment includes a pilot plant, a quality control laboratory and additional support spaces. A further $30 million (€25.8M) is planned through 2028, including additional warehousing. 

The company told GlobalPETS that the expansion has increased the site’s manufacturing capacity by more than fourfold. 

Elanco acquired the facility from Kindred Biosciences in 2021 to develop its monoclonal antibody technology platform. These treatments bind to specific targets to prevent or treat disease.

The facility manufactures Befrena, an injectable treatment for canine allergic and atopic dermatitis, and Trutect, a treatment for canine parvovirus. Both products are currently available only in the US.

“More than 8,000 U.S. clinics are already served by the monoclonal antibody products manufactured at our Elwood, Kansas site. We are currently scaling capacity to meet high customer demand for Befrena – 2 times above expectations,” the company tells GlobalPETS. 

“Befrena will contribute to the $1.3B (€1.1B) innovation target Elanco has projected for FY2026 as we anticipate reaching unconstrained levels for the product in 2027,” it concludes.