An Arkansas company has decided to build a new plant in Dubuque, and will begin hiring workers in January. Simmons Pet Food plans to invest 80 million dollars, and convert the former Flexsteel plant in the Dubuque Industrial Center.
Simmons president Scott Salmon says the city is an ideal location. "Dubuque has a high quality work force, they have infrastructure already set up around their industrial plaza, and we formed a strong partnership with the economic development team and the city of Dubuque."
Salmon says the company initially plans to hire 130 people, with an annual payroll of 6.5 million dollars, and eventually the workforce will grow to a total of 270.
"The majority of hiring will start in 2021, however we've already started recruiting for key leadership positions. In January of 2021, and February as well, we will be having hiring fairs and really looking to partner with the resources in Dubuque to make sure we have the quality staff we're looking for."
Simmons plans to begin production in Dubuque by July lst, and produce more than 168 million units of canned pet food. Eventually, it plans to reach 400 million units per year.
The company's other plants are located in Arkansas, Kansas, and in Ontario, Canada.
