Mars Petcare's NKC site to grow and add up to 157 jobs
April 28, 2009 10:15:00 pm
by JOYCE SMITH - The Kansas City Star
Mars Petcare US is adding a research and development operation to its production facility in North Kansas City, creating up to 157 jobs.
Most of the new positions will be in research and development, with a few jobs in production, the company said Tuesday. The additions would double Mars’ area work force.
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The Franklin, Tenn.-based company plans to spend about $18 million to develop the new “state-of-the-art” research and development facility at 1 Design Drive, North Kansas City, within the next year.
While the North Kansas City plant makes Greenies-branded pet treats, the company said the new research facility would work on several brands.
Food conglomerate Mars Inc., parent of Mars Petcare, acquired North Kansas City-based Greenies in 2006.
“First of all, Mars is one of the largest and most diversified privately owned companies in the world, so their growth in Kansas City is all to the good,” said Bob Marcusse, chief executive officer of the Kansas City Area Development Council. “And a company that has the stature of Mars is able to bring other things down the road.”
Mars Petcare said it was attracted to the area by the high concentration of animal health-care companies and trained workers.
Mars Petcare employs more than 3,000 in 22 facilities nationwide.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. To reach Joyce Smith, call 816-234-4692 or send e-mail to jsmith@kcstar.com.
