Royal Canin’s ® $390M Investment Builds New Factory that Will Meet Growing Pet Food Demand 

Abstract: In March 2021, Royal Canin North America announced plans for a new factory. The $390 million expansion project will create 224 jobs and further develop Preble County’s economy. This is Royal Canin’s first manufacturing facility in Ohio and one of five in the United States. The facility will help Royal Canin to fulfill the growing global demand for their product. 

In March 2021, Royal Canin North America along with the Village of Lewisburg in Preble County announced a $390 million investment to build a new factory. This expansion will create 224 jobs and will help meet the increasing demand for Royal Canin’s pet nutrition products. The 450,000 square foot facility will be located in the Village of Lewisburg in Preble County. This is Royal Canin’s first manufacturing facility in Ohio and one of five in the United States. The facility is expected to be operational in the second half of 2023.   

“We are excited to expand our presence in the Lewisburg area and continue to partner with the State of Ohio to invest in U.S. manufacturing and the local community,” said Roland Hooley, Vice President of Value Chain Operations for Royal Canin North America. “This expansion fuels the local economy and allows us to further invest in communities like Lewisburg where we are proud to call home.”

The new factory will manufacture both Royal Canin and EUKANUBA ™ health and nutrition with both dog and cat food product lines. The facility will be built to meet leading-edge environmental standards and will pursue a LEED Silver Certification upon completion, demonstrating Mars’ commitment to sustainability. 

As a global leader in pet nutrition, Royal Canin’s North America business has consistently grown by double-digit rates across a broad customer base. This investment will enable Royal Canin to meet the ever-growing needs of its consumers across North America. Choosing to expand to Lewisburg will allow Royal Canin access to Ohio’s strong manufacturing support and workforce talent with high capabilities. 

“We are grateful to Royal Canin for choosing to expand in Preble County. This incredible new manufacturing facility will bring 224 jobs to Lewisburg,” said Brenda Latanza, Director of Economic Development for the Preble County Development Partnership. “Royal Canin is an amazing community partner for Harrison Township, the Village of Lewisburg and all of Preble County.  This exciting opportunity will have a huge impact on our overall economy - a meaningful win for all involved.”

Royal Canin currently operates its Pet Health Nutrition Center, a global research and development hub for the company, in Lewisburg, Ohio. The new factory will be located on the same property at 6574 OH-503, Lewisburg, Ohio 45338.

About the Company:
Founded in 1968 and purchased by Mars, Inc. in 2001, Royal Canin North America is a global leader in pet science, health and nutrition. Royal Canin manufactures and supplies cat and dog food and is committed to science-based research and innovation that provides formulas with individualized nutritional solutions for cats and dogs. The company’s product line includes a range of diets based on size, age, breed, lifestyle and therapeutic requirements. Royal Canin products are available at veterinary hospitals and pet specialty stores nationwide. 

PROJECT STATS:

• Location: Village of Lewisburg, Preble County, Ohio 
• Total capital investment: $390 million 
• Jobs committed: 224
• Jobs retained: 69
• Facility specs:45,000 SF  
• Collaborators: Dayton Development Coalition, JobsOhio, Preble County, Preble County Development Partnership, Village of Lewisburg, Harrison Township, Warren County Port Authority