DUBUQUE, IOWA — Simmons Pet Food officially opened its new pet food cannery in Dubuque July 21, the result of a $100 million investment to amplify its total wet pet food production capacity.

“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.”

The 275,000-square-foot facility is expected to increase the company’s total wet pet food production capacity to 168 million units per year, and will be followed by a Phase Two expansion that will further increase the company’s total capacity to 408 million units per year.

“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 chief executive officer of Simmons Foods. “Thank you to our team members, our project partners, and our city, county and state officials for making this project a reality.”

Simmons Pet Food first announced the Dubuque facility in December 2020, citing a “high-quality workforce, existing infrastructure to support operations, and a business-friendly economic team” as reasons for selecting the location. The second phase of construction will begin shortly and is expected to be fully operational by April 2022.

The plant is located at the Dubuque Industrial Center at 501 Seippel Rd. Once fully operational, it will create more than 270 new jobs in the area and generate an estimated annual payroll of $13.7 million, the company shared.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Simmons Pet Food leaders and community officials, including Rick Dickinson, president and chief executive officer of The Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, Roy D. Buol, mayor of Dubuque, and Molly Grover, president and chief executive officer of the Dubuque Chamber of Commerce.

“Simmons Pet Food is a game winning home run for the Greater Dubuque area,” Dickinson commented. “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.”

Simmons Pet Food will sponsor a free concert in Dubuque the night of July 20 to close out its grand opening ceremony and thank the surrounding community for its support and partnership. Country singer and songwriter Josh Davis will perform at the concert. Tickets can be reserved beforehand at jordandavistix.com.

Simmons Pet Food is a leading co-manufacturer of wet and dry pet food and treat products in North America. The company currently operates in Northwest Arkansas, Emporia, Kan., and Ontario, Canada.