Scoular, Omaha, Neb., announced plans to build a new freeze-drying manufacturing facility in Seward, Neb., to establish a new freeze-dried pet food ingredients platform. The $50 million facility is expected to create nearly 100 new jobs once operational.

“For 126 years, Scoular has invested in the people of Nebraska. We are excited to build on this legacy and advance our strategy with a unique facility that brings all phases of the freeze-drying manufacturing process under one roof,” says Paul Maass, chief executive officer. “It was clear to us following an extensive national search that Seward is an ideal community for us to join and grow together. We are excited to begin this process with the people of Seward.

This 105,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility will provide the company’s pet food customers a simplified and efficient ingredient supply chain. Situated at the Seward/Lincoln Regional Rail Campus, construction will take approximately 14-16 months, with the goal of being operational by early fall 2020.