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Del Monte Strengthens Presence in Topeka with New Distribution Center

The Topeka Chamber of Commerce announced today Del Monte Corporation’s plans to build a 427,000-square-foot distribution center adjacent to its existing pet food plant at 2200 NW Brickyard Rd. in Topeka. Company officials expect the expansion to result in as many as 80 new jobs and a significant investment. The existing 400,000 square-foot facility, with 251 employees, manufactures and distributes dry dog and cat food and pet snacks.

“Del Monte’s decision to expand its Topeka facility complements the animal health and bioscience industries we have targeted for growth over the next five years and beyond,” says Doug Kinsinger, president/CEO of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce/GO Topeka. “With our proximity to food growers, strong transportation network, central location, and location in the middle of the “Knowledge Corridor” of nearby universities for research and development support, Topeka/Shawnee County is a natural fit for animal and pet product manufacturing, distribution, and research.”

“Del Monte will benefit from the county-wide economic development sales tax,” says Kathy Moellenberndt, vice president-director of economic development for the Topeka

Chamber/GO Topeka. “The local incentives are all performance based upon new job creation and average hourly wages. Del Monte also has made application for many of the state incentive programs, such as state income tax credits based upon new jobs creation and capital investment, as well as training grants.”

“We continue to reap the benefits of the sales tax designated for economic development,” says Topeka Mayor Bill Bunten. “The added jobs and capital investment will strengthen our community—especially north of the river.”

“Del Monte has solid partnerships with a number of Topeka/Shawnee County businesses,” says Ted Ensley, chairman of the Shawnee County Commission. “Knowing that these strong relationships will continue on a much larger scale is great news for our community.”

Del Monte’s Pet Products’ sales grew with its fiscal 2007 acquisitions of leading pet food and snacks brands Meow Mix® and Milk-Bone®, with about 40% of Del Monte’s sales now coming from pet foods and snacks, up from 25% in fiscal 2006.

“With the recent growth of our pet food and snack businesses, the Topeka facility is playing an increasingly valuable role in Del Monte’s overall operations,” said Chris Koerber, Del Monte Topeka Plant Manager. “We are proud of our diverse and flexible operations in Topeka—from dry pet food to pet treats and snacks, Topeka makes 300 varieties of products.

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