Simmons Opens $100M Canned Pet Food Operation in Iowa

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Press release: Simmons Foods

Simmons Pet Food has marked the official opening and beginning of the first phase of commercial operation at its $100 million, 275,000 square-foot canned pet food operation in Dubuque, Iowa. The opening ceremony began with a gathering of team members and community officials and a ribbon cutting followed by a free community concert. 

“Today, Dubuque, Iowa became part of the Simmons Pet Food family,” said Scott Salmon, president of Simmons Pet Food. “In slightly less than seven months Dubuque economic development and community leaders together with our team members, helped Simmons Pet Food take an important strategic step to expand our production capacity and deliver our customers the food that will nourish and delight the pets we love.” 

Speaking at the ribbon cutting ceremony were Rick Dickinson, president and CEO, The Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, Roy D. Buol, Mayor of Dubuque, Molly Grover, president and CEO, Dubuque Chamber of Commerce, Scott Salmon, president of Simmons Pet Food, Todd Simmons, president and CEO of Simmons Foods, Inc. 

“We are delighted that Dubuque is a member of the Simmons Pet Food family, and now shares in our purpose to build strong relationships through the work of providing food for the pets we love,” said Todd Simmons, president and CEO, Simmons Foods. “Thank you to our team members, our project partners, and our city, county and state officials for making this project a reality.” 

Rick Dickinson, president and CEO, Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, stated, “Simmons Pet Food is a game winning home run for the Greater Dubuque area. Despite the challenges presented by the Pandemic, they have under promised and over delivered on everything that they have done. We are proud to have them join our corporate team.” 

In December, Simmons Pet Food announced Dubuque was the location for the first phase of its expansion plan bringing incremental production capacity of 168 million units to its wet pet food business in July 2021, to be followed by the addition of a second production line in Dubuque to bring total capacity to approximately 408 million units. At the event, officials reported they are moving forward with the second line which will be fully operational by April 1, 2022. 

Simmons Pet Food selected Dubuque because of their high-quality workforce, existing infrastructure to support operations, and a business-friendly economic development team. Simmons officials also realized the City of Dubuque possessed a vibrant community spirit ideal for their team members and their families to live, work and play. 

At full capacity, the Dubuque facility, located in the Dubuque Industrial Center at 501 Seippel Road, will provide more than 270 new jobs to the community with an estimated annual payroll of $13.7 million. 

To thank the Dubuque community for the warm welcome and strong partnership in this project, Simmons is sponsoring a free concert this evening at the Alliant Energy Amphitheater, featuring country singer and songwriter Jordan Davis. The concert is free to the public, tickets are limited and can be reserved in advance online.

Simmons Pet Food is a leading North American private-label and contract manufacturer of wet and dry pet food and treats. The company sources high-quality ingredients and uses state-of-the-art manufacturing processes to produce premium and value-focused pet food. It supplies top brands and retailers with products in a variety of formats, including dry kibble, jerky treats and wet in cans, pouches and cups. These operations are in Northwest Arkansas, Emporia, Kansas and Ontario, Canada.