New factory expands pet food manufacturing for Royal Canin

Photo courtesy of Royal Canin

Royal Canin is expanding its’ manufacturing capacity with a new, $450 million factory in Lewisburg, Ohio. The 450,000 sq ft facility is expected to product dry pet food that can annually feed 4 million cats and dogs.¹

According to Daryn Brown, regional president, Royal Canin North America, the new factory reflects pet nutrition industry growth as well as evolving needs for pets and their owners. "We're proud to expand and scale our capabilities to provide tailored nutrition to our North American market and continue expanding our presence within Lewisburg and Preble County,” Brown said in a news release.¹

Using standardized systems and process designs, the new facility is able to replicate the precise nutrition in Royal Canin’s products. The largest dry pet food manufacturing facility for Royal Canin, the site has the capability to fully produce the brand’s regional dry kibble portfolio.¹

“Over the last 5 years, we invested over $6 billion in the US, and we plan to continue to grow our ability to supply the domestic market. The Royal Canin facility in Lewisburg provides an important opportunity to further Mars science-based innovation while supporting a community of people and pets that has long been a part of the Mars family," to Poul Weihrauch, CEO of Mars Inc, Royal Canin's parent company, said in a news release.¹

The facility has also earned a Silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, according to Mars.¹ The achievement reflects the company’s global sustainability initiative, which includes the use of renewable electricity through a company-funded wind farm in Illinois.²

“We have been able to source renewable electricity for our 2000 pet hospitals across the US, and that's including Banfield, Blue Pearl and VCA [networks]. They are all now sourcing clean renewable electricity, and that's helped to reduce a good portion of our greenhouse gas emissions. We've brought online all of our Linnaeus clinics in the UK with renewable electricity as well,” Margo Mosher, global head of sustainability for Mars Veterinary Health, said in a dvm360 interview at the 2025 Veterinary Meeting & Expo in Orlando, Florida.²

Mars Inc currently employs more than 70,000 associates in factories, veterinary clinics, laboratories, and offices across the US. The new manufacturing facility in Ohio is expected to create up to 270 more full-time jobs over a 5-year period. According to Weihrauch, the investment represents a milestone for Mars in its’ commitment to US-based manufacturing.¹

"The decision by Royal Canin and parent company Mars to locate in Ohio represents a significant vote of confidence in Ohio's business environment, our talented, highly trained workforce and our outstanding quality of life," Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said in a news release.¹ "We are pleased that Royal Canin is locating in Lewisburg and we look forward to partnering with them as they succeed in Ohio, the heart of it all."

References

1. Mars builds on long-term US investment with the opening of new $450 million Royal Canin facility in Ohio. News release. Mars Incorporated. May 14, 2025. Accessed May 14, 2025. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mars-builds-on-long-term-us-investment-with-the-opening-of-new-450-million-royal-canin-facility-in-ohio-302454689.html
2. Coppock K, Mosher M. Powering veterinary medicine with renewable electricity. dvm360. April 18, 2025. Accessed May 14, 2025. https://www.dvm360.com/view/powering-veterinary-medicine-with-renewable-energy