Simmons Pet Food announces closure of Canadian plant

Simmons Pet Food announces closure of Canadian plant

The North American pet food manufacturer wants to centralize production and distribution.

Simmons Pet Food will close its canning facility in Streetsville, Ontario, by the end of this year. 

“This is the next step in that strategic plan to position Simmons Pet Food as the most trusted industry partner,” says President Scott Salmon.

“Over the last 3 years, Simmons Pet Food has invested aggressively in expanding capacity and capabilities in Emporia, Kansas and Dubuque, Iowa, with the intent to strengthen and grow our business.”

The “strategic” decision is set to affect some 190 employees at the facility, who will be offered support packages, including separation pay and career counseling services to help them find new jobs. 

Streamlining operations

With the planned centralization of operations, Simmons Pet Food hopes to leverage advancements in optimized production processes, packaging automation, and new distribution center locations to better serve its customers. 

In February this year, the manufacturer sold its 58-acre property and industrial building at Siloam Springs, Arkansas, US, for $16.3 million (€15M) to an affiliate firm belonging to Store Capital. 

Simmons Pet Food took ownership of the property in September 2022 in a deal worth $6.2 million (€5.7M).