Get to Know Simmons, a Pet Food Company That Puts People First
October 4, 2024
Simmons Pet Food has been a staple of Emporia, Kansas, since 1998. In the 26 years since it first called Emporia home, Simmons has expanded its operations and become a leader in quality pet food production. While the company has always had a culture of innovation paired with sustainable growth, Simmons credits the residents of Emporia for its success.
“Simmons is proud to be part of the Emporia community, bringing the families and pets we love together through food,” says Brian Potter, Vice President of Operations at Simmons Pet Food.
Simmons is one of Emporia's biggest employers, and its future is bright. Learn how this company is making Emporia a leader in animal health.
Simmons Chose Emporia for Its Location and Its People
Simmons is based in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, but its pet food division has thrived in Emporia. Companies evaluate several factors before choosing a place to relocate or expand. It’s not just about finding affordable, available properties, businesses also need ample infrastructure, access to supply chain routes, and people.
“Centrally located, Emporia connects facilities and distribution lanes, which allow us to effectively serve our growing customer base across the country,” says Potter. “The state of Kansas is a strong economic partner for new business and the city of Emporia provides utility backing, economic incentives, and, most importantly, a highly skilled workforce with a strong work ethic.”
Emporia continues to be recognized for its strategic location within the county and even within the state of Kansas. Residents can reach Topeka, Wichita, and Kansas City in just over an hour.
However, it also has a high quality of life which creates a strong workforce. Simmons can hire team members from across Lyon County and just beyond its borders. At a time when staffing is a challenge for countless companies, Simmons has an ample workforce to pull from.
Simmons Supports Its Team Members, Their Pets, and Their Families
Fortunately, Simmons Pet Food doesn’t have a hard time attracting top talent. Since its founding 75 years ago, Simmons has embraced a people-first culture, which means investing in its team members. A few benefits of working for Simmons include:
- Competitive pay with opportunities for advancement.
- 401(k) retirement plans.
- Education opportunities with tuition reimbursement.
- Simmons Care Clinics that provide premium health care for team members and their families at no additional cost.
- A healthy workplace culture.
“We want our team members to succeed and spend their careers at Simmons,” says Potter.
Simmons also forms partnerships with the local community. Residents who don’t work for Simmons, still benefit from its involvement with projects like the Little Lyons Childcare Center and long-time partnerships with organizations like Flint Hills Technical College.
“Simmons continues to market itself in Emporia through its community involvement,” says Jim Witt, Interim President at the Emporia Regional Development Association (RDA). “People see the Simmons name across the county and then learn about the benefits of working there. The company does an excellent job of both attracting and retaining workers.”
The Future is Bright for Simmons Pet Food
Simmons Pet Food is the largest supplier of store-brand wet pet food in North America. It uses state-of-the-art manufacturing processes and industry-leading research to produce a variety of wet food selections, including loaves, pâtés, meat cuts in gravy, shredded meat, fish and poultry, and broths and purees. Simmons has an unmatched commitment to quality and is known throughout the industry for meeting precise specifications for our customers.
“We’re excited about the future of Simmons Pet Food,” says Potter. “Our goal is to be the most trusted industry partner as we make nourishing food for the pets we love. We will continue to strengthen our presence in the Midwest and in Kansas as we grow to meet increasing customer demand for our products.”
More than half of Americans think their pets are just as important as any human family member. This is driving increased investment in pet nutrition, diet, and health. As its customers continue to care for their furry friends, Simmons will be there with the right meals to help them grow.
Learn More About Other Employers in Emporia
Simmons is a leader in Emporia’s animal health industry, but this region of Kansas offers even more to residents and businesses that relocate here. Get to know some of the other top industries in Emporia, including value-added agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and warehouse distribution. Emporia has a diverse economy and a workforce with multi-faceted skills. Simmons saw the value of moving here in 1998. Plan your visit and discover the benefits of this region.