Choosing Kansas for Growth

Hill's Pet Nutrition Smart Pet Food FacilityOfficials cite support from K-State, other state partners, as key to expanding operations

By Pat Melgares

Photo by Dan Donnert

Officials from an ever-growing number of companies that have recently established or expanded business operations in Kansas have hailed the support of Kansas State University and other state partners as a key factor in their decision.

In March, 2023, Scoular announced it would recommission a former sunflower crush plant in Goodland. The company will retrofit the facility to crush canola and soybeans for the growing renewable fuels market.

Ed Prosser, a Scoular senior vice president, said the company “continually looks for new market opportunities for producers and has explored the potential for renewable fuels.”

“The support and deep knowledge from K-State agronomists, and the university’s extension presence, along with the State of Kansas and the Kansas Congressional delegation, helped push this project over the top for our company,” said Prosser, who is also a K-State alumnus.

K-State canola breeder Mike Stamm said Scoular “knows Kansas agriculture very well.”

Our proficiency with winter canola production helped solidify the idea that it could become a suitable feedstock for renewable fuels,” Stamm said. “Winter canola’s high oil content -- 40% versus 20% of soybean -- makes it even more attractive.”

“Having a sustainable regional market is going to make a tremendous difference in Kansas producers’ ability to successfully plant, harvest, and market winter canola. Building a team to carry this industry forward will drive growth and success, and Scoular’s willingness to be a major partner, will have positive benefits on Kansas agriculture, now and in the future.”

Scoular plans to begin crush operations on Oct. 1, 2024. Company officials said up to 40 new jobs will created.

Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Amber Wave begin production

Scoular’s announcement last year came on the heels of two others that have made a big impact on the state’s economy.

Hill’s Pet Nutrition opened its newest manufacturing plant in Tonganoxie, and Amber Wave launched production of its AmberPro vital wheat gluten in Phillipsburg.

Hills, a division of Colgate-Palmolive, celebrated the grand opening of its 365,000 square foot smart facility in October, 2023. According to information from the company, the facility allows Hills to produce more than 170 varieties of wet pet food.

Kathy Gross, a member of the K-State College of Agriculture’s Dean’s Advisory Council and an animal health advisory board member for K-State’s campus in Olathe, said the project fulfills an important need.

“People love their pets, and the pet food industry continues to grow; pet owner’s demands for healthy, tasty and nutritious products are at an all-time high,” said Gross, who also is retired from a position as Worldwide Director for Research and Development at Hills’s Pet Nutrition, Inc.

“Hill’s is one of the largest global pet food makers and has invested in building a modern, wet food facility in Kansas to meet current and future demands for science-based, alternative pet food forms and packages.”

According to a company press release, Hill’s invested $450 million in the facility, and created 100 new jobs in Leavenworth County.

Amber Wave, based in Ames, Iowa, began production at its $250 million Phillipsburg facility in November, 2023. The company’s gluten product is considered a valuable domestic source of gluten for commercial bakeries, food ingredient plants, alternative meat manufacturers, pet food processors and specialty feed companies.

All of the wheat needed for Amber Wave’s production is grown within 100 miles of Phillipsburg, according to the company’s release.

"With over 80% of the vital wheat gluten used in the U.S. being imported, we not only add value to the growing region but also serve as a supply chain solution provider for our customer base,” said Randy Cimorelli, the company’s Chief Executive Officer.

Once it reaches full production, Amber Wave will be North America’s largest wheat protein facility. The project has added more than 60 jobs to the Phillipsburg area.