Mars Builds on Long-Term U.S. Investment with the Opening of New $450 million Royal Canin Facility in Ohio

• Royal Canin a global leader in pet health nutrition and Mars biggest brand, is opening its largest dry pet food factory globally in Lewisburg, Ohio.
• The $450M investment is the single largest investment in a Royal Canin manufacturing site and will create up to 270 new jobs in the region.
• It is part of a larger $6B investment in U.S.-based manufacturing by Mars over the past five years.

MCLEAN, Va., May 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mars, Incorporated, a global leader and maker of more than 40 beloved snacking, food and pet brands in the United States, including CESAR®, SHEBA®, M&M'S®, SNICKERS® and Ben's Original™, is announcing the expansion of its U.S. Royal Canin® manufacturing capacity through the opening of a 450,000 square-foot facility in Lewisburg, Ohio. The $450 million site will create up to 270 new full-time jobs over the next five years united around a cat and dog-first culture and will produce enough dry pet food to feed 4 million pets annually. In the United States, Mars has a presence in 49 states, employs over 70,000 Associates and operates 37 factories in addition to veterinary clinics, labs and 14 global and regional offices.

Poul Weihrauch, CEO of 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."

"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," said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. "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."

The state-of-the-art facility uses standardized systems and process designs tested across Royal Canin facilities to replicate the brand's precise nutrition. The site can manufacture the brand's entire regional dry kibble portfolio, making it the largest dry pet food factory globally for the brand. The facility has also earned a Silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, demonstrating a globally recognized sustainability achievement.

"The investment made into our Lewisburg site continues to represent the growth of the pet nutrition industry and the evolving needs of our pets and their owners," said Daryn Brown, Regional President, Royal Canin North America. "We're proud to expand and scale our capabilities to provide tailored nutrition to our North American market and continue expanding our presence within Lewisburg and Preble County."

ABOUT MARS, INCORPORATED 
Mars, Incorporated is driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. As a $55bn family-owned business, our diverse and expanding portfolio of leading pet care products and veterinary services support pets all around the world and our quality snacking and food products delight millions of people every day. We produce some of the world's best-loved brands including Royal Canin®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, CESAR®, DOVE®, EXTRA®, M&M'S®, SNICKERS® and BEN'S ORIGINAL™. Our international networks of pet hospitals, including BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, VCA™ and ANICURA™ span preventive, general, specialty, and emergency veterinary care, and our global veterinary diagnostics business ANTECH® offers breakthrough capabilities in pet diagnostics. The Mars Five Principles — Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom — inspire our 150,000 Associates to act every day to help create a better world for people, pets and the planet.

For more information about Mars, please visit www.mars.com. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

ABOUT Royal Canin®: 
Royal Canin® is part of the Royal Canin Division in the Mars, Incorporated group, and a global leader in Health Through Nutrition for cats and dogs fulfilling its Purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS. Founded in 1968 by French veterinarian, Dr. Jean Cathary, Royal Canin® designs precise, science-based nutrition for cats and dogs available at pet specialty retailers and veterinary practices worldwide.

Over the years, Royal Canin® has pushed the limits of nutrition and knowledge in partnership with pet professionals, including breeders and veterinarians. Its unique business approach puts the nutritional requirements of cats and dogs at the heart of innovation. Pet's age, lifestyle, size, breed, and sensitivities are studied through science and observation to produce diets that meet their specific needs.

Royal Canin® generates value not only for pets, but also for people and the planet. This means being mutually beneficial to the ecosystem, empowering Associates, building enduring relationships with stakeholders, and always thinking about how to ensure a viable future for generations to come.

To learn more about Royal Canin®, visit www.royalcanin.com.

Media Contact: 
Mary Jane McComiskey
[email protected]

SOURCE Mars, Incorporated