Today, Governor Laura Kelly joined a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Hill’s Pet Nutrition Small Paws Innovation Center in Topeka.
Hill’s Pet Nutrition invested $20 million to build this 25,000-square-foot nutrition facility that will focus on the needs of small dogs. The facility will also include a new Engagement Center for veterinarian and other pet caregiver engagement.
“With the new Small Paws Innovation Center, this great Kansas company has cemented its reputation and ours, as a leader in the Animal Health field,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “We’ll continue to support our businesses like Hill’s to grow the Animal Health Corridor and bring new jobs and expertise to our state.”
Today, more than half of the dogs in the U.S. are small and miniature, and the percentage is growing. Small dogs have different needs compared to larger breeds, making focused research necessary for the manufacture of products best for those dogs.
“Animal health and bioscience are at the forefront of our state’s investments in the future,” Lt. Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The Kansas Framework for Growth outlines how our state can emphasize our existing advantages, like the Animal Health Corridor, and maximize them to create and attract new growth and innovation in the future. This new Hill’s expansion is an example of that process working.”
The Animal Health Corridor is currently the single largest concentration of animal health interests in the world. The corridor is home to more than 300 companies conducting research and producing veterinary pharmaceuticals, specialized food for livestock and pets and much more.
Photos from today’s event are available below for media use:
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Also pictured: Governor Laura Kelly; Noel Wallace, President and CEO of Colgate-Palmolive; Jesper Nordengaard, President of Hill’s Pet Nutrition; Dr. Nick Rozzi, Director, Product Development at Hill’s Pet Nutrition; Ingrid Stewart, Hill’s Pet Nutrition General Counsel; John Kooyman, Colgate-Palmolive Chief of Staff; Dana Brooks, President of Hill’s Nutrition Pet Food Institute; Dr. Scott Mickelsen, Attending Veterinarian; Dave Baloga, Hill’s Nutrition VP Science and Technology.
About Hill’s Pet Nutrition
Founded more than 75 years ago with an unwavering commitment to pet nutrition, Hill’s mission is to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. Hill’s is dedicated to pioneering research and groundbreaking nutrition for dogs and cats based on a scientific understanding of their specific needs. HILL’S® Prescription Diet® therapeutic pet foods and HILL’S® Science Diet® wellness pet foods are sold through veterinarians and pet specialty retailers worldwide. For more information about Hill’s, our products and our nutritional philosophy, visit us at HillsPet.com, HillsVet.com or Facebook, keywords “Hill’s Pet Nutrition.” #HillsTransformingLives
About the Kansas Department of Commerce
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas in 2021 was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award and was named Site Selection Magazine’s Best Business Climate in the West North Central region of the United States.