Hill’s Pet Nutrition, a large-scale producer of nutrition for companion animals and a division of Colgate-Palmolive, is investing $17.5 million to expand production capacity at their location at 2325 Union Pike in Richmond. The company plans to carry out the expansion in two phases. Phase 1 will involve the transition from a 5-day to a 7-day a week operation and the creation of 44 new jobs. Phase 1 will begin in 2021 and end early in 2022. Phase 2 of the expansion will add an additional packaging line and the creation of 20 new jobs. The second phase is expected to begin in late 2022 and end mid to late 2023.

Overall, the expansion will allow the Richmond plant to increase the volume of currently produced diets as well as add new diet formulas in the future. Richmond Mayor, Dave Snow says Hill’s has been a tremendous community partner as they’ve grown in Richmond. “Hill’s produces quality products that help us care for our beloved pets and provides community support to our pets with amenities like the Hill’s Bark Park. I am thrilled Hill’s has taken on this valuable expansion, and I am looking forward to many more years of partnership and growth.”

The company will receive an Economic Development Income Tax (EDIT) Grant in the amount of $203,000 to use to offset the cost of training and/or purchase and installation of new equipment. EDC of Wayne County President, Valerie Shaffer says, “The company’s expansion is great for both Richmond and Wayne County. I’m thrilled Hill’s Pet Nutrition and their parent company Colgate-Palmolive made the decision to locate this expansion at the Richmond facility. They’ve been a great partner in economic development since choosing Wayne County in 1991.” The request for EDIT funds will now go before the Wayne County Commissioners for their consideration.

Based on the company’s job creation plans, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) committed an investment in Hill’s Pet Nutrition Indiana, Inc. of up to $750,000 in the form of incentive-based tax credits. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim incentives once Hoosiers are hired. “Indiana has been home to Hill’s Pet Nutrition for 30 years, and it is wonderful to see them continuing to grow with the Richmond Community,” says Jim Stanton, SVP and Chief Business Development Officer for IEDC. “We’re grateful for Hill’s investment in our state and for their commitment to add more career opportunities for Hoosiers.”

About Hill’s Pet Nutrition

Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc. develops and manufactures leading-edge nutrition for companion animals based on a scientific understanding of life stage, health condition, and size. Founded more than 75 years ago with an unparalleled commitment to pet well-being, Hill’s mission is to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. By focusing on pets’ optimal nutrition needs, Hill’s products are transforming the lives of pets, pet parents, and the veterinarians who care for them. For more information about the company, their philosophy, and their products, visit their website.