Johnson Announces Chillicothe Petland Expansion, New Jobs

COLUMBUS – State Representative Mark Johnson (R-Chillicothe) today announced the expansion of the Chillicothe based Petland into Nier Spec Building. The development was a collaboration with JobsOhio, Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE) and the Greater Chillicothe and Ross County Development. 

“I applaud the work of these pronounced organizations to expand their footprint in the 92nd Ohio House District,” said Johnson. “As a leader in business development and expansion, I am excited to see this extension bring 21 new jobs to the Petland site.”

Founded in 1967 and headquartered in Chillicothe, Ohio, Petland, Inc. is a global leader in the pet retail industry, with more than 240 retail stores throughout the U.S. and internationally. Petland re-opened its Distribution Center in 2015, and launched a fixture design and manufacturing program in 2016 and has expanded its private-label product offerings to more than 1,200 skus. This expansion will add new manufacturing and distribution jobs to meet the growing needs of their company. 

Petland President, Joe Watson, noted that keeping Petland in Chillicothe has always been a priority. He also noted that Petland received a $50,000 JobsOhio Economic Development Grant toward building and equipment costs.

“We are excited about this opportunity to develop our footprint in Southern Ohio. This expansion will allow us to remain competitive in a rapidly growing international pet industry and to support our community and provide jobs,” Watson. 

“Our region is proud to be home to Petland’s global headquarters and this investment is great news for southern Ohio,” said Mike Jacoby, OhioSE President. “Petland has built global company right her in southern Ohio and we and JobsOhio are happy to partner on their continued growth.” 

“Petland improves the quality of life for their customers through pet ownership and experiences. We are proud to support this employer who has given so much to our community,” said Tammy Eallonardo, Director of Greater Chillicothe & Ross County Development. “Their expansions will bring new jobs and new opportunities for growth to our county.”