Richmond welcomes Anchor Ingredients’ $40 million investment

Richmond, Indiana – Anchor Ingredients, a prominent figure in the provision of superior-grade ingredients for the pet food sector headquartered in Fargo, North Dakota, has declared the commencement of construction for its innovative transload and ingredient processing facility in Richmond.

The company has committed a significant investment of $40 million to the new facility. It will be located in the Midwest Industrial Park, a strategic location in the nucleus of pet food manufacturing.

This groundbreaking event constitutes a key chapter in Anchor Ingredients’ ongoing pledge to cater to the dynamic requirements of the pet food industry. The avant-garde facility will bolster the existing rail infrastructure within the industrial park. It is designed to encompass bulk storage, warehouse space, and onsite ingredient processing. Equipped with advanced quality assurance testing, the facility will augment Anchor’s capacity to offer a consistent source of superior ingredients to cater to the escalating network of pet food manufacturers in the region.

Al Yablonski, CEO and co-founder of Anchor Ingredients, remarked, “We are thrilled to break ground on our new transload and ingredient processing facility in Richmond.” He added that, “This facility represents a significant investment in the pet food industry and demonstrates our dedication to being a true supply chain partner and delivering high-quality ingredients that meet the demands of our customers.

As the pet food industry witnesses continued growth, there is a concurrent escalation in supply chain intricacies. This facility is part of Anchor’s strategic investment to streamline its customers’ operations by enhancing logistics, facilitating onsite ingredient processing, and providing local distribution.

Commenting on the expansion, Yablonski stated, “This expansion into Richmond will continue to diversify our product and service offerings within the pet food industry and further position Anchor as the preferred supply chain partner for the world’s largest pet food brands.” Anchor has also recently commissioned North Freeze Dry, the industry’s pioneer in fully integrated co-manufacturing of freeze-dried pet foods, and launched a groundbreaking ingredient traceability technology platform tailored to the sustainability requirements of the pet food industry.

The Richmond facility is forecasted to generate 30 new jobs, thereby enriching the region’s economy. Anchor is committed to fostering partnerships with local businesses and stakeholders, enhancing the region’s reputation as a nucleus for the pet food industry, and harbors plans for additional expansion at this location.

Richmond Mayor Dave Snow expressed his gratitude towards Anchor Ingredients, stating, “We are delighted to have secured a financial vote of confidence from Anchor Ingredients.” He added, “Anchor’s meaningful investment will provide a key element in the growth of our pet food manufacturing sector. We’ve seen significant investment in Richmond over the last six months, which are rallying points that show our current upward trajectory.”

Anchor Ingredients’ expansion plan has earned the endorsement of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, which has committed up to $310,000 in incentive-based tax credits and up to $200,000 in Manufacturing Readiness Grants. These funds, subject to performance-based criteria, will become available once new local employees are hired.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s Chief Strategy Officer, Ann Lathrop, remarked, “Indiana is honored to welcome Anchor Ingredients to the state. Anchor’s investment will not only add to our robust ecosystem of pet food manufacturers and producers but will also expand infrastructure and logistics within the area.”

Construction of the new transload and ingredient processing facility will kick off forthwith, and the completion is anticipated by June 1, 2024. Anchor Ingredients is optimistic about the influential role this new facility will play in enhancing its capability to serve the pet food industry and support Richmond’s flourishing community.