Private label and contract pet food manufacturer Simmons Pet Food plans to open two new wet pet food production facilities in Arkansas to support the company’s short- and long-term growth plans.

During the first phase of the project, the company will add a new wet pet food plant capable of producing 168 million cans, the company announced in an October 27 release. The operation is slated to commence operations in July 2021, creating 100 new jobs. In the second phase, another plant will be opened by the fourth quarter of 2021 with a capacity of 240 million cans and space to accommodate future expansions.

“We want to continue to grow with our customers and provide them with exceptional customer service and the superior product quality they have come to expect from Simmons,” said the firm’s president, Scott Salmon, in a statement. “These expansion plans are a commitment to deliver on that promise.”

The company recently invested $100 million to open its new Emporia Flex Plant in 2019 and install a new high-speed can line at its Emporia Main Plant.

“Our vision is to be the most trusted partner in our industry for food that nourishes and delights pets. We lead with technical expertise and a world-class team focused on quality, safety, nutrition and formulation based on leading-edge consumer data and insights,” said Salmon. “We are excited this winning formula allows us to continue to grow and enable our customers’ success.”