Pawsitively Preble: Why a $450 Million Expansion Cements This Ohio County as a Top Business Destination

When a global brand like Royal Canin, backed by Mars Incorporated, chooses to invest $450 million in a rural community, the message is loud and clear: Preble County is a business investment destination that can support large-scale international companies.

This expansion is a bold endorsement of the region's talent, infrastructure, and long-term economic potential. The decision to build Royal Canin's largest dry pet food factory in Lewisburg, Ohio, marks the single most significant investment in the brand's manufacturing history, and it's happening right in Preble County, Ohio.

A Big Win for Business (and for Preble County) 

Mars has deep roots in Ohio, opening its first facility in Wayne County in 1943. Royal Canin has been a part of the Lewisburg community since 1987. This latest announcement powerfully builds on that legacy. The new 450,000-square-foot facility will create up to 270 full-time jobs over the next five years and produce enough pet food annually to feed 4 million cats and dogs.

"This is so much more than a simple factory expansion," said Justin Sommer, Economic Development Manager for Preble County. “It's a signal to companies worldwide that Preble County offers the workforce, infrastructure, and community support businesses need to maximize success. When a global leader like Mars makes this level of commitment here, all the hard work and initiatives we have been working toward pay off.”

Features that Fuel Growth

Why Preble County? Because it offers what global companies like Mars are looking for:

A reliable, skilled workforce. Businesses can't grow without great people. Mars is counting on Preble County's strong talent pool to staff its new facility, and the region's workforce is ready to deliver.

Strategic location and logistics. Easily accessible to key supply chains and consumer markets, Lewisburg gives companies access without the congestion and cost of larger metros.
Business-friendly climate. From local support to state incentives, the region is built to welcome business investment and help it flourish.

"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 Governor Mike DeWine.

Community Impact That Matters

With this level of investment, Preble County residents and workers stand to benefit from this expansion. The promise of 270 new full-time, good-paying jobs opens the door for new careers for job seekers looking to live, work, and play in Preble County, Ohio.

"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 of 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."  

The new facility has already earned a Silver LEED certification for its environmental performance. It will also feature standardized production systems that ensure the highest quality in every bite of kibble.

A Model of Collaboration

Projects like this 450 million expansion don't happen by accident. It took close coordination between Royal Canin, JobsOhio, the Preble County Development Partnership, and other local leaders and economic development organizations.

"We welcome Royal Canin's decision to choose Ohio for its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Lewisburg, which brings hundreds of jobs to its largest dry pet food production facility globally," said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “We are grateful for the close collaboration with our state and local partners to attract Royal Canin to Preble County, ensuring Ohio plays an essential role in bringing the company's nutritious products to pets loved by households throughout the North American market.”

More Than Just Pet Food

As Mars CEO Poul Weihrauch put it, "Our latest investment in Ohio is an important milestone in Mars's 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."

That kind of long-term thinking is precisely why this investment means so much. It's not just about what Royal Canin is doing today; it's about what their confidence says about Preble County's future.

From Rural Roots to Global Reach

With this expansion, Preble County is feeding its economic momentum.

For companies looking to expand, the message is clear: if a global brand like Mars trusts Preble County with its largest facility, maybe your business should, too.

Preble County Development Partnership

At Preble County Development Partnership, we provide comprehensive support for all your business needs. Our mission is to advance economic development by providing access to local, regional, and state resources. We support business retention, new business recruitment, marketing, community outreach, and workforce development, ensuring you have all the tools for success. Located within the prosperity triangle of Cincinnati, Columbus, and Indianapolis, PCDP offers a desirable quality of life with lower costs.

Contact us today to discover how we can help your business succeed.