Austria Pet Food is building a new 9,000-square-metre petfood plant in Pöttelsdorf, Austria.

Production of dog and cat food at the plant is expected to start in the second quarter of 2013. The plant is expected to produce 200 million cans of petfood annually, primarily private-label products for retailers and pet stores.

The €25 million (US$32.7 million) plant will create 50 new jobs in the region.

"We see a lot of potential in this market segment and from here we can easily supply Austria and the rapidly growing market in the neighboring countries to the east," said Michael Hehn, director of Pet Food Holding.