Dexter Mars Petcare plant, one of five, to be closed nationally

Mars Petcare is an international company which bought Doan's Pet Care in Dexter. The company combined four formerly independent pet food companies, bringing in 29 plants of differing age, according to Fair. Mars Petcare makes pet food at the plant in Dexter. The brands are packaged under the Exclusive Brands label and include Pedigree, Whiskas, Sheba, Royal Canine and Cesar.

No definite date for closing was listed in the statement sent by Fair.

The written release by Mars Petcare US stated that Mars Petcare would be permanently closing plants in Birmingham, Ala., Muscatine, Iowa, McKenzie, Tenn., Butler and Dexter.

The release stated that there was a "rapidly industry changing environment, with increased focus on raw material integrity and finished product quality." It goes on to state that that company will be investing "$10,000,000 in plant upgrades, new testing protocols," among other things, to address these changes.

Mars Petcare is constructing a Center of Excellence for Analytical Science in Kansas City to serve as a central testing and research laboratory for raw materials and finished goods, the e-mail stated. In 2009 they will close the laboratory in Joplin, the release stated.

"We have extensively evaluated our manufacturing facilities and it has become clear that several sites do not have the design or capability to be part of our vision," Fair stated.

"Exclusive Brands will continue to be a key element of our strategy with tailored solutions for our customers and, when combined with the strength of our nationally branded and pet specialty businesses, will provide high-quality, nutritious and innovative products to our consumers and their pets," the release went on to say.

"Consistent with our associate practices, we will be assisting all affected associates as they transition to the next phase in their careers," Fair stated, "We recognize the many years of service from these associates, and greatly appreciate their efforts over the years."

Steve Bishop, with the Dexter plant, declined any comment on the closing of the plant. When asked how many employees would be affected by the closing, he again referred the reporter to the corporate office which did not list the number of employees or suppliers that would be affected by the closing.