Champion Petfoods USA broke ground in Logan County, Kentucky, on July 23, 2014, opening its first US kitchen which will be sourced by local farmers. The Canada-based company specializes in biologically appropriate petfoods using fresh local ingredients.

“We welcome Champion Petfoods to the Commonwealth,” said Governor Steve Beshear. “Not only will the company create 147 jobs and invest US$85 million, it also will provide a significant boost to our local farmers and Kentucky’s food production industry. I look forward to seeing this Kentucky-made product on store shelves throughout the region.”

The facility is expected to be operational in 2016. “We found the perfect location to prepare our biologically appropriate foods made from fresh regional ingredients in the US,” said Frank Burdzy, Champion’s president and CEO. “Access to local farmers, growers and producers will allow our new Kentucky kitchen to advance our biologically appropriate mandate.”