Southwest Missouri News--Joplin

by Mary Engler-Guccione

One of the world's largest dog food producers is located in Joplin, and it may merge with another company to become the largest such company in the world, but lay-offs are likely to result.

Doane Products company announced it might be joining forces with the Windy Hill Pet Food Company, of Nashville, Tenn.

Officials said this move would make Doane the largest dry dog food producer in the world.

An executive with the company said the move will affect corporate office employees, not production workers or plant operations.

The company's headquarters will move from Joplin to Kansas City, forcing some departments to move as well.

Employees affected in those departments will be given an option to relocate to Kansas City, while other departments will remain open in Joplin.