The new factory arrives after the increased awareness among pet owners of the benefits associated with plant-based food.
Scoular believes that the growth in demand for this non-genetic modified organism (GMO) source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber is consolidating its position as a “viable” and “healthy” fat source.
The facility is the first flax plant to open in the Western region in nearly 10 years.
A few months ago, the manufacturer announced plans for its subsidiary Petsource by Scoular to invest $75 million (€65.7M) to triple its production capacity amid the increase in the demand for free-dried pet food.
Petsource plant in Seward (Nebraska) has been operational since November 2020 and the company is going to start in the coming months an expansion of 70,000 sq. feet (6,503 sqm).
Scoular also began producing barley protein for pet food from January in a new facility in Idaho state.
In 2021, the manufacturer posted global revenue of $6 million (€5.2M) and $900 million (€788.3M) in sales of the food and feed ingredients segment – including the pet food portfolio.