Simmons Pet Food has announced a strategic move to centralize its production and distribution network by closing its canning facility located in Streetsville, Ontario, Canada. This decision, revealed on March 27th, is part of Simmons Pet Food’s ongoing efforts to enhance efficiency and strengthen its position in the competitive pet food market. The closure is slated to be completed by the end of the year.
Approximately 190 team members will be affected by the Streetsville plant closure. Simmons Pet Food has expressed its commitment to supporting these employees through this transition. The company plans to offer comprehensive support packages, which include separation pay and career counseling services, aiming to assist employees in securing new employment opportunities.
According to Scott Salmon, president of Simmons Pet Food, this strategic decision is a continuation of the company’s long-term plan to optimize operations. “Over the last three years, Simmons Pet Food has aggressively invested in expanding capacity and capabilities in our Emporia, Kansas, and Dubuque, Iowa, facilities,” Salmon stated. “This centralization is the next logical step in our strategic plan to solidify Simmons Pet Food as the most trusted partner in the pet food industry.” These investments and the current move towards centralization are designed to enhance Simmons Pet Food’s ability to meet growing customer demands efficiently.
Salmon also acknowledged the history of the Streetsville facility: “The Streetsville location has been a significant part of Simmons Pet Food’s history. We deeply appreciate the dedication and hard work of all our Streetsville team members and are fully dedicated to supporting them during this transition.”
This operational centralization is expected to allow Simmons Pet Food to take full advantage of advancements in production processes, including optimized packaging automation. Furthermore, the company’s recent establishment of new distribution centers in Edgerton, Kansas, and Dubuque, Iowa, will play a crucial role in supporting the primary canning facilities in Emporia and Dubuque. These enhancements across production and distribution are designed to improve customer service and streamline the supply chain for Simmons Pet Food.
Simmons Pet Food is recognized as a leading North American private-label and contract manufacturer specializing in wet pet food formats. The company produces a wide range of pet food products in cans, pouches, and cups for top brands and retailers across the industry. This strategic shift towards centralized operations signals Simmons Pet Food’s commitment to continued growth and efficiency in serving the evolving needs of the pet food market.
