Release Date:
October 15, 2024
NUTRITIOUS PET FOOD MANUFACTURER PICKS SOUTH DAKOTA
Popular Canadian Company Launching First Major US Expansion in Aberdeen, South Dakota
ABERDEEN, SOUTH DAKOTA, October 2024 – Smack Pet Food – the Canadian family-owned and operated business behind the popular raw dehydrated superfood for pets – is expanding its operations into the United States to support growing demand across the US, Europe, and Asia markets. After a national search, Smack Pet Food has found its first US home in Aberdeen, South Dakota.
“This is an exciting step for us, our retail partners, and our customers,” explains Jonathon Giller, President, and CEO of Smack Pet Food. “The additional production capacity enables us to keep pace with the growing demand for Smack, and Aberdeen is the perfect location for distribution across the US and other international markets. We would like to thank all of those who have assisted us in the process; especially, the Aberdeen Development
Corporation, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Brookshire.”
Founded in 2007, Smack Pet Food was inspired by the Gillers’ dog, Zorro. When Zorro was diagnosed with cancer, the family did everything they could to help him, including making wholesome nutrient-packed meals formulated to help him fight the disease. Sadly, Zorro eventually succumbed to cancer. Smack Pet Food was created to honor his legacy by helping pets live happier, healthier lives through improved nutrition.
Today, Smack continues to formulate and manufacture raw dehydrated food that appeals to picky pets, helps alleviate allergy symptoms, and reduces shedding and illness for dogs and cats. The world has taken notice.
“The expansion is going to create jobs and open up new opportunities for nearby farmers. We take a zero-compromise approach to nutrition and source our ingredients locally whenever possible,” added Giller.
Smack Pet Food is choosing to expand in Aberdeen, South Dakota, entering into contract to purchase the former Banner Engineering building at 714 Corporation Street and will invest over $3 million to renovate it into an FDA-certified food manufacturing facility. In total, the company will invest over $6 million in real estate and capital equipment in the coming year with plans to add over 150 positions in the next 5 years.
“When I first met Jonathon, I knew immediately that Smack was a legitimate business with an outstanding model for growth in one of the fastest-growing industries in the US. As I got to know Smack and the Giller family better, it became very evident that Smack is exactly the type of business we are striving to attract to Aberdeen. Smack makes a top-notch product and they treat all their employees like family,” stated Mike Bockorny, the
now-former CEO of the ADC who led the effort to recruit Smack to Aberdeen.
Expanding in a foreign state or country can be an arduous task, so Smack Pet Food teamed up with Gerry Norton and Justin Erickson of The Brookshire Company – a Minnesota commercial real estate firm specializing in site selection – to discover the best-possible strategic location. After analyzing all factors, including available buildings, labor, and quality of community, Aberdeen, South Dakota quickly shot to the top. Partnering with the Aberdeen Development Corporation (ADC) and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), Smack Pet Food earned significant financial support and incentives to make this project a reality.
“A huge credit to the Aberdeen Development Corporation and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) for their dedication to creating a welcoming business climate. Smack Pet Food is a wanted brand around the globe, and now has the opportunity to boom while becoming a positive organization in the Aberdeen community. This is only the start for Smack,” said Justin Erickson, Vice President of Site Selection and Economic Development at The Brookshire Company.
Smack Pet Food will start construction later this fall and be fully operational summer 2025.
ABOUT SMACK PET FOOD
Smack Pet Food is a Canadian-based family business founded in 2007 that makes the world’s best raw, dehydrated superfood for dogs and cats. Driven by a shared love of animals, Smack improves pets’ lives with wholesome, nutrient-packed meals that provide the benefits of a raw food diet with scoop-an-serve
convenience. Learn more at smackpetfood.com
ABOUT THE BROOKSHIRE COMPANY
The Brookshire Company’s mission is to help “companies succeed, and communities thrive” through site selection, labor analysis, financial incentives, commercial real estate, and storytelling. Founded in 2017 by Gerry Norton, who brings over 30 years of experience directing projects in 45 states and five countries, The Brookshire Company partners with businesses and communities worldwide, helping them reach their fullest potential. Learn more at brookshireco.com
ABOUT THE ABERDEEN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
The Aberdeen Development Corporation is a private non-profit corporation with the mission to advance Aberdeen and the Northeast South Dakota Region for all. Business retention, expansion, and job growth are critical for creating a vibrant and thriving community. The ADC leverages resources to make Aberdeen, South Dakota, the choice for people and businesses. Their primary areas of focus are New Business Recruitment, Business Retention & Expansion, Entrepreneurship, and Advocacy & Lobbying. Learn more at www.adcsd.com.
Contact Information:
The Brookshire Company
Cory Hepola, Vice President of Communications, Growth & Strategy
cory@brookshireco.com
brookshireco.com
