Governor Laura Kelly Celebrates Expansion of Simmons Pet Food During Prosperity on the Plains Tour

EMPORIA – Governor Laura Kelly visited Simmons Pet Food in Emporia today (August 8) as part of her Prosperity on the Plains Tour. In July, Simmons Pet Food, the leading private-label and contract manufacturer of wet pet food in North America, announced it is expanding operations in Edgerton and Emporia, Kansas. Their $115 million investment will create 177 jobs. 

“The expansion of businesses like Simmons Pet Food show that our laser-like focus on creating jobs and attracting business investment is benefiting Kansans across the state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Now, 177 more Kansans will have quality jobs and $115 million will be brought into our communities – fueling growth in both Emporia and Edgerton and making our state a better place to live and work.”  

The Emporia Main Team gave a warm welcome as Governor Kelly and other officials arrived.

Through this investment, a new 750,000-square-foot distribution hub in Edgerton will be constructed and will add a fourth high-speed canning line to the company’s existing Emporia facility. To help Simmons meet the growing demand for multi-and variety-packed pet food products. Simmons is North America’s leading private-label and contract manufacturer of wet pet food.  

The projects are part of the company’s $500 million strategic growth plan.  

“We are honored to have Governor Kelly visit our Emporia operation and meet our team today,” Scott Salmon, President of Simmons Pet Food, said. “The economic climate fostered by Governor Kelly and her team gives Simmons the confidence to keep growing in Kansas with this $115 million investment. We are excited to build on our strong partnership with the state of Kansas and the community of Emporia, while also beginning new relationships within the community of Edgerton.” 

“I’ve had the privilege of assisting Simmons with multiple expansions in the past and found them to be a terrific customer & partner,” Craig VanWey, Kansas Department of Commerce In-State Business Development Manager, said. “This latest project reiterates what we’ve known for years, Simmons has excellent products and outstanding people. We’re excited that they’ve decided to continue growing in Emporia and Kansas!”

Brian Potter, VP of Operations, led the Governor and other officials on a tour of the Emporia Main facility, highlighting expansion plans and automated packaging technology.

Left to right: Patricio Hafenstein, People Champion; Daren Morey, Production Supervisor; Brian Potter, Vice President of Operations, Emporia Main; Kansas Governor Laura Kelly; Keenan Kirby, Production Lead; and Todd Simmons, CEO, Simmons Foods