US-based food products supplier Anchor Ingredients has opened a new transload and ingredient processing facility in Richmond, Indiana, US.
The new facility was built with a $40m investment and was completed within 12 months and commissioned as per the schedule.
Spanning more than 40 acres in the Midwest Industrial Park, the facility is expected to play an important role as a distribution hub for current top pet food brands.
It will enhance Anchor’s capabilities with bulk storage, climate-controlled warehouse space, safety stock management, grain origination, quality assurance testing and on-site processing.
The new facility is strategically located at the centre of the pet food manufacturing areas, with easy truck access off I-70 and service from the Norfolk Southern mainline railway.
It will provide high-quality, reliable ingredients to pet food manufacturers across the region, and throughout North America, said the food supplier.
Anchor Ingredients CEO and co-founder Al Yablonski said: “We are excited to officially open our new facility in Richmond. This marks a significant milestone for Anchor Ingredients, reaffirming our commitment to the pet food industry.
“By enhancing our logistics and processing capabilities, we are well-positioned to meet the growing needs of our customers, while contributing to the economic development of the Richmond community.”
Anchor said that its expansion into Richmond was supported by the Richmond Redevelopment Commission, the City of Richmond, and Wayne County Economic Development Corporation.
Norfolk Southern also played an important role in rail access design that ensures easier integration of rail logistics for its operations.
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) also committed an investment in the company, in the form of incentive-based tax credits and Manufacturing Readiness Grants.
IEDC’s commitment supports the facility’s investments in advanced technology and automation.
Anchor intends to deepen its roots in the Richmond community, developing farm-level relationships with regional growers, premium ingredients, and supply chain solutions.
Richmond Mayor Ron Oler said: “On behalf of the citizens of Richmond and the surrounding area, we greatly appreciate the investment Anchor Ingredients is making in Richmond.
“Anchor’s trust in locating their new facility in our city is a testament to our growing reputation as a business-friendly environment. Indiana is for the bold, and Richmond is a city on the rise.”
