Ghent, Belgium, June 6, 2024 – United Petfood, international pet food manufacturer, announced today it has purchased a production facility in Mishawaka, Indiana from Wellness Pet Company which will transition production to another Wellness Pet owned facility. This purchase represents a landmark moment for United Petfood as it marks the company’s first manufacturing plant in the United States.
United Petfood has long been a prominent player in the pet food industry through its extensive export activities. This strategic move to establish local production in the U.S. signifies a pivotal step in solidifying its presence in this key market.
"We are excited to take our first steps into the U.S. market with the acquisition of the Mishawaka facility. This acquisition allows us to better serve our American customers with locally produced, high-quality pet food. We see tremendous opportunities for growth and collaboration and are excited about the potential for synergies between our operations across different continents”, Elodie Fleury, United Petfood Vice President Americas.
Regarding the sale, Reed Howlett, CEO, Wellness Pet, said, “We’re pleased United Petfood will assume ownership of the Mishawaka facility. This will ensure a smooth transition for our team members who have been working at the facility and part of the Wellie family for many years. We are proud to have been Mishawaka community members for almost two decades.” Wellness Pet acquired a substantially larger facility in 2022 in Decatur, Arkansas which is well-suited to support the company’s growth in the near and medium term."
