Diamond Pet Foods, a leading family-owned pet food manufacturer, is set to expand its operations with a brand-new, state-of-the-art manufacturing and distribution center in Rushville, Indiana. This significant investment, announced by Governor Eric J. Holcomb and Diamond Pet Foods executives, underscores the company’s commitment to serving its growing Midwest client base and creating substantial economic opportunities in the region.
The expansive 700,000-square-foot facility represents a $259 million investment and is projected to generate up to 170 new jobs by the end of 2024. This development marks Diamond Pet Foods’ first foray into Indiana, further solidifying the state’s position as a hub for agriculture and innovation.
“We couldn’t be prouder to welcome one of the world’s largest privately held pet food manufacturers to Indiana’s thriving economic ecosystem,” stated Governor Holcomb. He emphasized Indiana’s strategic advantages, noting, “The Crossroads of America is where agriculture and innovation perfectly intersect, and precisely where our number one ranked infrastructure program, high quality of place and access to talent all contribute to support Diamond’s impressive goals and growth. I’m confident, together, we’ll find success in Indiana for generations to come.”
Diamond Pet Foods, established in 1970 and headquartered in Meta, Missouri, has built a strong reputation for producing high-quality cat and dog food using ingredients sourced primarily from within the United States. The Rushville facility, located at 2606 North State Road 3, will centralize production and distribution capabilities, enhancing the company’s efficiency in serving its Midwest customers. Construction is already underway, with operations expected to commence in 2024.
Mike Kampeter, president of Diamond Pet Foods, highlighted the strategic rationale behind choosing Rushville, stating, “We are excited to choose Rushville for its proximity to suppliers as well as the community’s skilled workforce. This new state-of-the-art facility will allow us to continue offering quality pet food at prices pet parents can feel good about. We look forward to adding Rushville and Indiana to the Diamond family.”
This expansion reflects Diamond Pet Foods’ response to the increasing demand for pet food, driven by a significant rise in pet ownership across the United States in recent years. The new facility will bolster the company’s capacity to meet this growing demand and maintain its position as a key player in the competitive pet food market. Currently, Diamond Pet Foods employs over 1,000 individuals across its existing locations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, South Carolina, and California. Details regarding job openings at the Rushville plant will be available online, offering promising career opportunities within the pet food industry.
Rushville Mayor Mike Pavey expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Rushville is truly fortunate to have Diamond Pet Foods growing their company here. The leadership of Diamond Pet Foods understands rural communities. They will have a positive impact to Rush County for generations.”
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) is supporting this significant project with an investment commitment to Schell & Kampeter Inc. (dba Diamond Pet Foods) of up to $1.5 million in performance-based tax credits. Additionally, up to $300,000 from the Industrial Development Grant Fund will be allocated to support crucial infrastructure improvements in the local community. These incentives are contingent upon the company meeting specific hiring and investment benchmarks. The city of Rushville has also offered supplementary incentives, demonstrating strong local support for Diamond Pet Foods’ presence.
This strategic expansion by Diamond Pet Foods into Indiana signifies not only the company’s robust growth trajectory but also the thriving nature of the pet food industry and the attractiveness of Indiana as a business-friendly state. The new Rushville facility is poised to become a vital asset for Diamond Pet Foods, enabling them to efficiently serve the Midwest market while contributing significantly to the local economy and providing quality pet food options for pet owners.
