Smucker to invest over US$50M in Buffalo Milk-Bone facility upgrade

USA – The J.M. Smucker Co., a leading producer and distributor of premium-quality pet food and pet snacks in the U.S, is set to invest US$52.6 million to upgrade its Milk-Bone dog treats plant in Buffalo, New York.

According to the company, this investment is part of its strategy to meet the growing demand for its Soft ‘N Chewy products. 

This investment will enhance the 125-year-old facility, reinforcing Smucker’s commitment to its pet snack brands.

The project, as outlined in an application to the Erie County Industrial Development Agency, includes a 897-square-foot expansion of the existing 550,000-square-foot facility. 

A significant portion of the funding—US$10.2 million—will be allocated to upgrading the plant’s refrigeration section, a crucial element in expanding Milk-Bone’s Soft & Chewy processing capabilities. 

Renovations are scheduled to begin in May 2025 and are expected to be completed by April 2027.

Buffalo was selected over other Smucker facilities in Topeka, Kansas, and Decatur, Alabama, underscoring the plant’s strategic importance. 

The investment will modernise equipment and support job creation, with at least 17 new positions being added to the plant’s current workforce of 280 employees.

Milk-Bone has a rich history in Buffalo, having relocated from its original New York City plant in 1957. The Union Street facility, originally built in 1900, became a dog treat processing center in 1925 under National Biscuit Co. ownership.

This expansion follows Smucker’s 2023 divestiture of several pet food brands—including Rachael Ray Nutrish, 9Lives, Kibbles ’n Bits, Nature’s Recipe, and Gravy Train—to Post Holdings for $1.2 billion. After this sale, Milk-Bone and Meow Mix remained the company’s primary pet brands.

Smucker appoints new manager for pet food, sweet baked snacks segments

In other news, J.M. Smucker recently appointed Judd Freitag as Senior Vice President and General Manager of Pet and Sweet Baked Snacks, succeeding Dan O’Leary. 

Freitag, a 15-year Smucker veteran with extensive experience in finance, corporate strategy, and brand marketing, is expected to play a key role in driving innovation and expanding the Hostess brand.

According to Mark Smucker, chairman, president, and CEO, the company is committed to reinvigorating the Hostess brand while maintaining the growth momentum of its pet business. 

Freitag will oversee the strategic direction of Smucker’s sweet baked snacks division, focusing on portfolio management, distribution expansion, and revenue synergies.

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