Diamond Pet Foods Announces Expansion; Create 37 New Jobs; Invest $3.8M

Diamond Pet Foods Announces Expansion in Lexington County Investment expected to bring 37 new jobs to the area The South Carolina Department of Commerce, Lexington County and the Central SC Alliance announced that Diamond Pet Foods will expand its facility in Lexington County. The $3.8 million investment is expected to generate 37 new jobs. “We are pleased to expand our facility in South Carolina. This addition will help us meet customer demand for our products and allow us to prepare for future growth. Lexington County has been an excellent fit for our company, providing us with a positive business environment, a solid labor force and excellent market access. We appreciate all the support we’ve received from state and local officials,” said Mark Schell, executive vice president of Diamond Pet Foods. The company is expanding its warehouse operations at its Gaston facility and will include the purchase of new equipment. The South Carolina facility is one of three Diamond Pet Foods manufacturing plants in the United States. “Diamond Pet Foods is a family-owned business and a leading manufacturer of premium and natural pet foods for both commercial and consumer markets. Their expansion in Lexington County is another sign that our business-friendly climate and skilled workforce are working to encourage growth among existing businesses. Thanks to the team effort of state and local officials, Lexington County will benefit from this investment now and in the future,” said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce. Central SC Alliance Chairman Jim Apple stated, “Our team worked closely with Diamond Pet Foods in 2002 when they first discovered an existing building in lower Lexington County that matched up with their site criteria. We are very pleased and excited that Diamond Pet Foods is adding new jobs and continuing to invest and grow in our region.” “We are pleased that Diamond Pet Foods has decided to expand its operations in Lexington County. The strong workforce in the county will provide the company with the skills necessary to continue to grow its core business through additional product lines. The county’s pro-business philosophy also serves as a catalyst to continued development in this corridor of the county,” said Debbie Summers, Chairwoman of Lexington County Council. The hiring process to fill the positions is currently under way. Anyone interested in employment can send a resume to Diamond Pet Foods at 100 Woodtrail Drive, Gaston, S.C. 29053 or by e-mail to aosborn@diamondpet.com. Diamond Pet Foods, headquartered in Meta, Missouri, is a privately-held, family owned enterprise founded in 1970 as a livestock feed company. Today, Diamond Pet Foods is a leading manufacturer of super premium, nutritious and natural pet foods. Their products are the choice of top breeders, kennel owners, sporting enthusiasts and family pet owners world-wide. For more information about Diamond Pet Foods, please visit www.diamondpet.com. About S.C. Department of Commerce As South Carolina’s leading economic development agent, the Department of Commerce works closely with economic development professionals throughout the state to recruit new businesses and jobs and help existing businesses grow. In 2008 Commerce recruited a record 18,993 new jobs and $4.17 billion in capital investment. Many well-known names and world-class companies chose to invest in South Carolina during 2008, some of which include: Target Corp., Home Depot, Heinz, Monster, American Titanium Works, BMW, Michelin and URS Corp. Commerce also assists companies in locating buildings and sites in which to operate, offers grants for community development and infrastructure improvements and provides tools to enhance workforce skills. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.