Mars Petcare will invest $145 million in an expansion of its manufacturing facility in Fort Smith, according to a news release.
The investment is expected to add more than 120 new full-time jobs.
Work on the expansion, which will add more than 200,000 square feet and two production lines, will begin this month, according to the release. It's scheduled to be completed in 2022.
"The investment from Mars Petcare in their Fort Smith manufacturing facility will boost the economy at both the local and state level," said Gov. Asa Hutchinson. "Since the facility opened in 2009, it has become a hub of diverse and quality jobs, and we thank Mars Petcare for continuing to grow and invest in the Fort Smith community."
The company has invested more than $420 million at the location to date, according to the release. Further expansion of the facility is planned as well.
"The good news in Fort Smith just keeps coming," Arkansas Commerce Secretary Mike Preston said. "Mars Petcare is a growing company with strong customer loyalty. They had several options for this latest expansion, but they knew that Fort Smith has what it takes to help the company continue to prosper."
Mars Petcare has 13 other manufacturing sites in the United States that make pet food for brands like Sheba, Cesar, Iams and Nutro, according to the release.