Oak Creek-based pet food maker Stella & Chewy’s is planning to invest $30 million in the expansion of its headquarters, potentially adding 82 employees in Wisconsin.
The company is leasing a portion of a new building at 10651 S. Oakview Parkway and will also purchase new machinery and equipment. Dickman Co. announced plans for the 137,000-square-foot building last year.
“Stella & Chewy’s excellent growth in sales and market share of its high-quality premium pet food products is requiring expanded manufacturing capability,” said Marc Hill, Stella & Chewy’s chief executive officer. “The company is proud to call Wisconsin home and excited to expand in the state.”
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. is supporting the project with up to $500,000 in tax credits over the next three years, according to an announcement from Gov. Scott Walker’s office.
Stella & Chewy’s was the first tenant in the OakView Business Park, located southwest of West Oakwood Road and South Howell Avenue. The company currently occupies a 164,000-square-foot building and its additional leased space is located nearby.
The company was started in a Manhattan apartment in 2003 by Marie Moody after she rescued a sick dog. It grew over time and is now sold in 6,000 pet stores in the U.S. and Canada, with around 200 employees in Wisconsin.