JM Smucker is investing in its pet-food manufacturing facility in Kansas to expand capacity and improve productivity.
The US food group’s Topeka site will get $17.8m in property investment and a further $2.7m for new equipment, according to a joint statement with the local economic development board.
The Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO) of Topeka and Shawnee County said it has approved “incentives” of $383,000 towards the project.
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Asked for clarity by Just Food on what the investments will entail, JM Smucker responded: “This will allow us to update our facilities to enhance how we support our employees, including expanding space for collaboration and meetings, and to expand capacity to support potential future growth.”
JM Smucker said the project will add 28,000 square feet of new space and see a further 32,000 square feet renovated.
The Topeka plant produces a variety of pet food and associated snack brands, including Meow Mix cat food and Milk-Bone dog treats, the company added.
“The updates will enhance our overall productivity and ability to meet the demand we see for the Meow Mix, Milk-Bone, and other pet brands we support,” JM Smucker confirmed.
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By GlobalDataWhen asked whether the project will lead to new jobs, the company said: “This initiative will allow us to enhance how we support our current workforce. We will continue to evaluate any workforce needs we may have to support the business and the needs of our consumers.”
Initial construction is scheduled to begin in March, with completion of all works targeted for late next calendar year, the company clarified
Luke Livingston, the director of operations at JM Smucker, said in the joint statement: “Our facility has been part of the Topeka community for more than 55 years and this investment represents our commitment to continue to grow together,” he said.
Pet-food products manufactured at the Topeka site are primarily distributed to retailers across the US.
In its second-quarter fiscal 2026 results in November, JM Smucker said its US retail pet food segment posted net sales of $413.2m, down 7% year on year.
The company attributed the fall to lower volume/mix – particularly in dog snacks – and the impact of prior-year divestitures, partially offset by higher pricing.
However, segment profit rose 2% to $124.4m, benefitting from “lower costs and higher net price realisation”.
The company, which also owns brands such as Hostess snacks, Uncrustables frozen sandwiches and Folgers coffee, also updated its full-year outlook for adjusted EPS and net sales.
JM Smucker expects adjusted EPS in the range of $8.75 to $9.25, compared to a previous forecast of $8.50 to $9.50. Adjusted EPS in its last full financial year was $10.12.
The group projected net sales growth of 3.5-4.5%, compared with prior guidance of 3-5%. It anticipates “comparable” net sales will increase by 5-6%, as price increases offset lower volume/mix.
