Posted: Tuesday, June 9, 2009, 7:01 p.m., EDT

Vitakraft Sunseed Inc., a manufacturer of pet food and treats, expects to begin shipping from its newly expanded facility in Weston, Ohio, on June 22. The expansion project, which added 24,000 square feet of warehouse space, was initiated in February to better accommodate the needs of the newly formed company

Vitakraft Sunseed Inc. was formed last year after Vitakraft Pet Products, headquartered in Bremen, Germany, acquired Sun Seed Co., of Weston. The plan was to use the Northwest Ohio location as the central manufacturing and distribution center for North America, South America and Asian sales.

“This new facility will give us the added space we need to accommodate our growing business both domestically and internationally,” said CEO Andy Messinger. “The combined companies offer over 500 different products and the portfolio is growing.”

With 1,800 new pallet spaces, the warehouse addition will house finished goods and serve as a staging ground for outgoing shipments — nearly 10 truckloads daily, according to the company. The Weston facility now totals 120,000 square feet of production, office and warehouse space. <HOME>