Scoular announced that it has officially named its new freeze-dried pet food ingredient manufacturing subsidiary: Petsource by Scoular.

Petsource will develop, procure, freeze dry and package high-protein ingredients for pet food manufacturers. It is among the first in the country to bring these steps together under one roof, positioning itself as the go-to source for pet food companies.

 “The name ‘Petsource’ signifies that we are redefining what start to finish looks like in pet food ingredient manufacturing,” Petsource general manager Amy Patterson said. “Petsource will be a one-stop shop for unparalleled levels of safety, quality and reliability across the freeze-dried pet food supply chain.”

Central to the project is a $50 million manufacturing plant under construction in Seward, Neb. Scoular broke ground in August, and the plant is on track to open in the fall of 2020.

 The plant will create up to 100 new jobs in Seward. Hiring is expected to begin in the spring.

Petsource also announced Jon Heussner as director of operations responsible for manufacturing at the Seward site. Heussner has held leadership roles in operations, project management and engineering for Tyson Foods, Conagra Brands, Hain Celestial Seasonings and, most recently, Dean Foods.

“As a lifelong pet owner with years of supply chain experience, it is a privilege to work with the great team assembled by Petsource to manufacture safe and high-quality products,” Heussner said.