German pet food maker Josera, a brand owned by Erbacher the food family, is advancing its expansion in Poland through the launch of a new production facility in Paproć, in the country's western region.
Spanning around 40,000 square meters (430,556 square feet), the plant was constructed over 2.5 years. It is located next to the company's existing production facility, which has been making pet food for 18 years, local news site Naszemiasto.pl reported.
"The new factory allows us to better respond to the growing needs of the pet food market and strengthens our global position," said Dariusz Haremza, chief executive of local subsidiary Josera Polska. "Within a year, we created 100 new jobs in Poland. Together, we are creating a strong, international community, but local presence is still very important to us."
As part of the investment in Paproć, the pet food specialist fitted the new facility with automated production lines, a research and development laboratory, and a logistics management system based on artificial intelligence.
The new Polish plant, which will produce dry pet food, is part of a manufacturing hub in the country's western Wielkopolska region, located around 125 kilometers from Poland's border with Germany.
The value of the investment was not disclosed.
Josera says it offers a wide range of products for dogs, cats and horses.
"The best recipes, high-quality ingredients, modern, climate-neutral production and continuous quality controls in our own accredited laboratory ensure that we meet the highest demands - and that the food in the bowl is acceptable and compatible," noted the German business.
Erbacher the food family has a footprint in some 70 countries, and the group's facilities in Germany, Poland, Ukraine and Tanzania are operated by a workforce of more than 800 employees, according to figures from the business.
French pet food brand sold to UK producer
French private equity firm and investment group Eurazeo has announced it recently completed the sale of its stake in Ultra Premium Direct, a France-based direct-to-consumer pet food brand, to UK business Inspired Pet Nutrition.
In a statement, Eurazeo said Inspired Pet Nutrition is a "fast-growing" international pet food maker controlled by CapVest Partners LLP.
"With this sale, Eurazeo reaffirms its ambition to back leading European companies at key stages of their growth, while highlighting both the quality of Eurazeo's portfolio and its ability to deliver profitable exits," said the French group. "The transaction has generated a gross cash-on-cash of 2.1x on Eurazeo's initial investment with around €138 million (US$160.5 million) of proceeds being allocated to Eurazeo's balance sheet, above its carrying value."
Set up in 2013 by French entrepreneurs Matthieu and Sophie Wincker, Ultra Premium Direct has established itself as a major industry player that relies on a factory-to-consumer model. The brand is controlled by local company Natura Plus Ultra Pet Food.
"Ultra Premium Direct is much more than a kibble brand," the French brand said in a statement. "We are uncompromising when it comes to the quality and affordability of our products and services. We guide you with transparency, kindness, and passion, serving the well-being of all dogs and cats."
Inspired Pet Nutrition describes itself as an innovative, well-established and award-winning pet food producer whose portfolio of brands comprises Harringtons, Wagg, Barking Heads & Meowing Heads, AATU, Blink, Butcher's and Classic, "as well as a selection of partner brands that trust us to produce food on their behalf."
"Our kitchens in Thirsk, Kinmel and Crick produce dry, wet and baked foods which are enjoyed by dogs and cats all over the world," noted the UK company.
