Mars invests $450M to open pet food manufacturing facility in Ohio 

Mars Incorporated, a global maker of food, snacking, and pet care products, has announced plans to open a new Royal Canin pet food manufacturing facility in Lewisburg, Ohio. The company, which produces brands such as CESAR, SHEBA, and M&M’S, has invested $450 million in the project and will create up to 270 new full-time jobs over the next five years.   

The 450,000-square-foot facility will manufacture Royal Canin’s complete dry kibble portfolio for the region, making it the brand’s largest dry pet food plant in the world. Once fully operational, the plant will produce enough dry pet food annually to feed 4 million cats and dogs. 

The site was designed with standardized systems and processes used at other Royal Canin locations to ensure consistent product quality. It has also earned Silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for its sustainability features. 

What people are saying 

In a recent quote, Poul Weihrauch, CEO, Mars Incorporated, said, “Our latest investment in Ohio is an important milestone in Mars ongoing commitment to U.S.-based manufacturing. Over the last five years, we invested over $6 billion in the U.S. and we plan to continue to grow our ability to supply the domestic market. The Royal Canin facility in Lewisburg provides an important opportunity to further Mars science-based innovation while supporting a community of people and pets that has long been a part of the Mars family.” 

Mike DeWine, Governor, State of Ohio, added, “The decision by Royal Canin and parent company Mars to locate in Ohio represents a significant vote of confidence in Ohio's business environment, our talented, highly trained workforce and our outstanding quality of life. We are pleased that Royal Canin is locating in Lewisburg and we look forward to partnering with them as they succeed in Ohio, the heart of it all.” 

Manufacturers investing in Ohio 

United Alloy invests $48M to expand data center component manufacturing facility in Ohio 
The expansion adds 350,000 square feet of space and will bring more than 400 total jobs to the Union area. 

Amgen invests $900M to expand biologic medicines manufacturing facility in Ohio 
This expansion brings Amgen’s total investment in Central Ohio to over $1.4 billion.

Kimberly-Clark invests $2B to build and expand personal care product manufacturing facilities in Ohio and South Carolina 
These investments will enhance U.S. manufacturing capacity, drive product innovation, and support long-term growth for the company’s consumer brands. 

Investing in American manufacturing in 2025 

This map shows where manufacturers are choosing to invest their resources, whether they are building new production facilities or expanding existing plants.