Ainsworth Pet Nutrition Acquires Triple T Foods of Frontenac, Kansas

PITTSBURGH, June 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Ainsworth Pet Nutrition, manufacturer of the Rachael Ray™ Nutrish® line of pet food and treats, announced today that is has acquired Triple T Foods of Frontenac, Kansas, a family-owned, super premium pet food co-manufacturer that employs approximately 200 people.  Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

With this acquisition, Ainsworth strengthens its manufacturing capacity and capabilities to support future growth of the Nutrish brand while maintaining and building upon Triple T's current co-manufacturing relationships.

"We are thrilled to welcome Triple T Foods to the Ainsworth Family," said Jeff Watters, President and CEO of Ainsworth Pet Nutrition.  "As one of our most trusted co-manufacturers for more than a decade, Triple T's similar family-minded culture and enduring commitment to food safety and product quality make this acquisition a very natural fit for both organizations."

Mr. Watters went on to explain that Triple T Food's location in the central United States provides convenient access to key pet food ingredients within the nation's grain and protein belts. 

"This acquisition is a logical evolution in our supply chain, creating an even more robust national footprint for Ainsworth that accelerates our five-year strategic plan to become the leader in super premium pet nutrition," Mr. Watters said. 

"Moreover, by adding Triple T to the Ainsworth Family, we will be better positioned to deliver on our vision of 'Pet Store Quality. Supermarket Easy.' providing consumers with the very best in pet nutrition, at a reasonable price, right where they shop for the rest of their families," he said. 

Triple T Food's President, Kurt Terlip commented, "Over the past 15 years, Triple T Foods has produced products for Ainsworth Pet Nutrition.  This acquisition has been about securing a good fit for both organizations - from an operations and supply chain perspective as well as a cultural standpoint," Mr. Terlip said.  "We are excited about today's news as this acquisition is a great match for Triple T and Ainsworth on all of these fronts and will allow our newly combined organization to grow faster and more efficiently than either could do on its own," Mr. Terlip said. 

Mr. Terlip will be stepping down from his position as President of Triple T Foods, however Ainsworth will maintain a strong management team from Triple T, including Mr. Terlip's son, Colin, who will manage all operations in Frontenac, KS.

About Triple T Foods
Founded in 1992, in Frontenac, KS, Triple T Foods has been manufacturing a broad spectrum of dry pet foods, including super premium brands. Triple T's commitment to manufacturing the highest quality, best value products and implementation of rigorous testing programs allowed Triple T Foods to become a trusted co-manufacturer of choice for many industry leading brands. Triple T Foods' manufacturing facility is SQF Level 3 and HACCP certified and continues to invest extensively in food safety and regulatory compliance. Triple T Foods recognizes that its customers' brands reputation is key for their success, and has strived relentlessly to protect that image in the market place.

About Ainsworth
Founded in 1933, Ainsworth Pet Nutrition is a fifth generation, primarily family-owned and operated company headquartered in Western Pennsylvania and focused entirely on pets.  With a goal of changing the way consumers shop for Super Premium pet food, Ainsworth's mantra is "Pet Store Quality.  Supermarket Easy." They achieve this promise by providing consumers with the high-quality pet food where they currently shop for the rest of their families.  The company makes multiple brands and types of dog and cat food, including the Rachael Ray™ Nutrish® line, as well as Super Premium retailer specific brands.  Ainsworth Pet Nutrition is committed to food safety and prepares all of its dry pet food in the United States using high-quality, natural ingredients with added vitamins and minerals.  To learn more, visit www.ainsworthpets.com.

About Nutrish® and Rachael's Rescue®
In 2008, daytime television host, best-selling author and pet-food lover, Rachael Ray partnered with nutrition experts from Ainsworth Pet Nutrition® to develop a line of super premium recipes for pets called Rachael Ray Nutrish. Every Nutrish pet food recipe is natural, made with simple, wholesome ingredients plus essential nutrients, and never contains any artificial preservatives, flavors, or poultry by-product meal. Available at grocery, mass, and online retailers nationwide, the line also features real meat-first varieties and recipes for pets with ingredient sensitivities. A portion of proceeds from each sale is donated to the Rachael Ray Foundation, which helps animals in need through Rachael's Rescue® (www.rachaelsrescue.org). So, not only are Nutrish products great for your pet, they're great for countless other animals, as well. 

SOURCE Ainsworth Pet Nutrition

Related Links

http://www.ainsworthpets.com