Choosing the Right Construction Partner for Pet Food Processing Success

The pet food industry is booming as more and more consumers are welcoming furry friends into their homes. With this increase in pet ownership comes a rise in demand for pet nutritional products, leading many processors to invest in their operations to keep up with the market. In 2023, Pet Food Processing reported on 27 operational announcements from pet food manufacturers looking to expand their capacity, facilities, and build new plants.

One such company, Freshpet based in Secaucus, NJ, decided to expand its production facility in Ennis, Texas due to its significant growth and the increasing demand for fresh pet foods. To ensure a successful expansion, Freshpet carefully selected Stellar, a construction firm headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., to partner with them on the project. Stellar broke ground on the expansion in March 2023, with plans to add 200,000 square feet to Freshpet’s facility.

Choosing the right construction partner is crucial for the success of such projects. Experience is key, with partners needing specific expertise in the pet food industry to understand industry standards and processing requirements. Companies like CRB and Gray offer extensive experience in food and beverage and pet food projects, providing a range of services from design-build to equipment manufacturing.

Communication and collaboration are also essential in these partnerships, with both parties needing to clearly define project expectations and requirements early on. Building flexibility into facility designs is crucial to accommodate future innovations and changes in consumer demand. By bringing in a construction partner early in the process, companies can ensure a successful and efficient project that meets their current and future needs.

As the pet food industry continues to evolve, investing in the right construction partner can make all the difference in supporting a company’s growth and success in the market. By carefully selecting partners with the right expertise, experience, and collaborative approach, pet food processors can ensure their facilities are equipped to meet the demands of the ever-changing industry.