Kalmbach Feeds invests US$125M to expand Ohio pet food facility

USA – Kalmbach Feeds, Inc. is investing US$125 million to expand its manufacturing campus in Wyandot County, Ohio, including the construction of a new facility dedicated to its K9 & Kin Brands pet food line, as the company responds to rising demand for premium dog and cat nutrition products.

The expansion, located near Upper Sandusky, is expected to be completed in 2027 and will create 213 new jobs. 

The project significantly increases the company’s production footprint and marks a major step in its diversification into the pet food segment.

Kalmbach Feeds said the investment reflects both its long-standing heritage in animal nutrition and its commitment to future growth in companion animal markets.

“For generations, our family has been committed to providing the highest quality nutrition for people, livestock, and pets,” said Paul Kalmbach Jr., a member of the founding family. 

“By expanding our footprint here in Wyandot County, we aren’t just building a new plant, we are strengthening our commitment to our local community and ensuring that the next generation of pet owners has access to nutrition they can trust.”

Founded in 1963 by Milton Kalmbach as a small grind-and-mix mill, Kalmbach Feeds has grown into a diversified animal nutrition company now owned by the second and third generations of the family, with commercial operations across the United States.

The Wyandot County Office of Economic Development described the expansion as a historic milestone for the region, calling it the largest single private investment in the county’s history.

“The Wyandot County Office of Economic Development (WCOED) and its member partners are proud to support the continued growth and success of Kalmbach’s local operations,” said Greg Moon, executive director of WCOED. 

“The new K9 & Kin Brands facility establishes a new benchmark as the largest single private expansion investment in Wyandot County’s history.”

State-level economic development bodies also supported the project, including JobsOhio and the Regional Growth Partnership, which serves as its Northwest Ohio partner. 

The Ohio Tax Credit Authority approved a Job Creation Tax Credit to support the investment.

“The Kalmbach Family’s $125 million investment in Wyandot County is a testament to what makes Ohio an ideal place to grow a business, a skilled workforce, a strong manufacturing heritage, and communities that support long-term success,” said Dean Monske, president and CEO of the Regional Growth Partnership. 

“This expansion will create more than 200 jobs for Northwest Ohioans and reinforces Ohio’s position as a leader in food and agricultural manufacturing.”

The new facility is expected to strengthen Kalmbach’s position in the growing premium pet food market while reinforcing its broader animal nutrition portfolio across livestock and companion animal segments

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