Dubuque, IA (July 21, 2021) – Today, Simmons Pet Food marked the official opening and beginning of the first phase of commercial operation at its $100-million, 275,000-square-foot canned pet food operation in Dubuque, IA. The opening ceremony began with a gathering of team members and community officials and a ribbon cutting, to be followed later this evening with a free community concert.
“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.”
Speaking at the ribbon cutting ceremony were Rick Dickinson, president and CEO, The Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, Roy D. Buol, Mayor of Dubuque, Molly Grover, president and CEO, Dubuque Chamber of Commerce, Scott Salmon, president of Simmons Pet Food, Todd Simmons, president and CEO of Simmons Foods, Inc.
“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 CEO, Simmons Foods. “Thank you to our team members, our project partners, and our city, county and state officials for making this project a reality.”
Rick Dickinson, president and CEO, Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, stated, “Simmons Pet Food is a game winning home run for the Greater Dubuque area. 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.”
In December, Simmons Pet Food announced Dubuque was the location for the first phase of its expansion plan bringing incremental production capacity of 168 million units to its wet pet food business in July 2021, to be followed by the addition of a second production line in Dubuque to bring total capacity to approximately 408 million units. At the event, officials reported they are moving forward with the second line which will be fully operational by April 1, 2022.
Simmons Pet Food selected Dubuque because of their high-quality workforce, existing infrastructure to support operations, and a business-friendly economic development team. Simmons officials also realized the City of Dubuque possessed a vibrant community spirit ideal for their team members and their families to live, work and play.
At full capacity, the Dubuque facility, located in the Dubuque Industrial Center at 501 Seippel Road, will provide more than 270 new jobs to the community with estimated annual payroll of $13.7 million.
To thank the Dubuque community for the warm welcome and strong partnership in this project, Simmons is sponsoring a free concert this evening at the Alliant Energy Amphitheater, featuring country singer and songwriter Jordan Davis. The concert is free to the public, tickets are limited and can be reserved in advance at jordandavistix.com.
About Simmons Foods
Simmons Foods and its Affiliates are leading suppliers of poultry, pet, and animal nutrition products based in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Simmons works with farmers, communities, and team members to apply 70+ years of experience to serving customers. Simmons Prepared Foods ranks in the top 20 poultry producers in the United States, Simmons Pet Food is the largest supplier of store brand wet pet food in North America, and Simmons Animal Nutrition boasts an innovative line of proprietary animal nutrition products. With nearly 8,000 team members, Simmons Foods and its Affiliates serve customers in all 50 states and more than 40 countries around the world. To learn more, visit simmonsfoods.com.
Simmons is proud to be recognized by Forbes magazine as one of America’s Best Midsize Employers. Read More.
To learn more, visit simmonsfoods.com.
