Des Moines, Iowa-based Kemin Industries Inc. has put in motion plans to expand its Verona production plant, part of a $14 million capital investment in the southwest Missouri town.
During the extent of the five-year plan, the company expects to create 24 jobs and add 40,000 square feet to its facility 40 miles southwest of Springfield. The plant processes meat protein used in ingredient systems - known as palatants - to make pet foods taste better, according to a news release.
Kemin Industries purchased the Verona plant in 2011 from Springfield-based American Dehydrated Foods Inc. for an undisclosed amount, according to
Springfield Business Journal archives.
“Missouri’s prime location in the middle of the animal health science corridor has provided an excellent environment for our palatant plant,” said Giuseppe Abrate, president of Kemin Industries’ pet food ingredient division, in the release.
The company's expansion in Verona would accommodate additional production capacity and warehouse space.
The Missouri Department of Economic Development has offered Kemin Industries an incentives package valued at approximately $300,000, provided the company meets its job creation and investment goals, the release said.
It also would be helped along by the city of Verona.
“We are pleased that Kemin has decided to expand inside our city and can benefit from the Enhanced Enterprise Zone that we are a part of,” Verona Mayor Willis Huston said in the release. “We hope that others will take advantage of it as we seek to revitalize the city.”[[In-content Ad]]
