With this facility in Asia, AFB will be able to enhance operational efficiency and ensure a more reliable supply chain, allowing for faster delivery and improved service.
'The opening our facility in Thailand marks a major milestone in our global expansion efforts. Our customers asked us to be local, and now we are! This facility strengthens our commitment to the region, allowing us to better serve our customers with enhanced efficiency, speed, and local support,' said Dale Spence, President of AFB International, reflecting on the milestone.
The new facility will serve as the regional hub for AFB International's Asia Pacific operations, bringing together corporate offices, manufacturing, R&D, and quality teams under one roof.
'Thailand, the world's third largest pet food exporter, is an ideal location for our new facility,' said Bas Melssen, General Manager/Vice President of Asia Pacific. 'As a hub for innovation in the pet food industry, Thailand aligns perfectly with our commitment to advancing product development and manufacturing excellence. Establishing our Asia Pacific headquarters here allows us to leverage Thailand's expertise and leadership in the sector, being closer to our existing customers here, while further enhancing our ability to innovate and meet the growing demands of the region.'
'Our Thailand facility is a crucial step in aligning our operational goals with our sustainability objectives,' noted Stephanie Hackmann, Vice President of Global Operations, recognizing the broader impact of the new facility. 'By localizing production, we can serve our customers more efficiently, respond faster to their needs, and significantly reduce transportation-related emissions – a win for both efficiency and the environment.'
The opening ceremony welcomed over 130 guests from 7 countries, including representatives from leading pet food manufacturers and trade associations across Asia.
Following the formal opening ceremony, AFB will continue the celebration at the company's booth N01 at Pet Fair Southeast Asia 2024, taking place from October 30 to November 1, 2024, at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibitions Center (BITEC) in Bangkok, Thailand.
'This is a proud moment not only for our company but for the community we are becoming a part of,' Melssen added. 'We welcome all industry professionals to visit our booth, join the festivities, and learn more about the exciting new chapter we're starting with our facility in Thailand.'
About AFB International
AFB International was founded in 1986 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA with a vision to create the best palatants and make pet food taste great. Today we are an international company with resource centers and production facilities designed to service pet food manufacturers across the world. Our portfolio of palatants are formulated to deliver optimal performance for each customer's unique needs.
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About Ensign-Bickford Industries
Ensign-Bickford Industries, Inc. (EBI), founded in 1836, is a privately-owned high technology conglomerate, which today is focused on space & defense, pet food science, and biotechnology. They participate in businesses that are relevant to the future of the world and have multi-generational growth prospects.
Source: AFB International
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About the company
About the company
WHAT WE DO
At AFB International, we develop and produce a full range of liquid and dry palatability enhancers. We use high-quality ingredients proven to optimize companion animal response and consumption.
Our specialty? Meeting your unique needs with custom support. Our worldwide staff of technical experts is ready to assist you with all aspects of palatability enhancement, from product development and testing to processing, logistics and more.
HOW WE WORK
Our successful customer relationships are built on clear, consistent communication—starting with really listening to understand your needs so we can respond quickly and effectively. And we keep listening. AFB scientists and technical service managers routinely travel to customer facilities to clearly understand the challenges at hand and the systems in place. Then we can recommend the best viable solutions.
OUR TEAM
AFB is dedicated to improving the health and wellness of companion animals worldwide through superior products and services. Our diverse, committed team works collaboratively to serve our clients. Get to know us—and let us know how we can help you!
HISTORY
AFB launched in 1986 and has grown to be the global science and technology leader in pet food palatability. Headquartered in St. Charles, Missouri, USA, AFB is a global company with state-of-the-art facilities in the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, the Netherlands, China, and Australia. AFB is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ensign-Bickford Industries, Inc., a privately held, family-owned, professionally managed technical business that traces its roots back more than 185 years.
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CS Petfood & Aquafeed Symposium 2026
15 to 16 April, 2026
Pilar, Buenos Aires, Argentina
https://www.cliviosolutions.com/
PET FOOD FORUM KANSAS
27 to 29 April, 2026
Kansas City, Missouri, USA
https://www.petfoodforumevents.com/
interpack
07 to 13 May, 2026
Düsseldorf, Alemania
https://www.interpack.com/
Smart Pet Food Production
11 May, 2026
Sheraton Carlton Nürnberg
https://www.petfoodcompetencenet.com/events/
Interzoo 2026
12 to 15 May, 2026
Nuremberg, Germany
https://www.interzoo.com/en
FENAGRA 2026
12 to 14 May, 2026
Santana – São Paulo
https://www.fenagra.com.br/
XXIV CONGRESO DE PET DE LA CBNA
12 to 14 May, 2026
São Paulo Expo, Brasil
https://www.fenagra.com.br/congresso/cbna-pet/
EXPO PACK México 2026
02 to 05 June, 2026
Ciudad de México, CDMX.
https://www.expopackmexico.com.mx/
VICTAM 2026
02 to 04 June, 2026
Utrecht, Países Bajos
https://victaminternational.com/
VIV Europe 2026
02 to 04 June, 2026
Utrecht, the Netherlands
https://www.viveurope.nl/
Foro Mascotas 2026
24 to 26 June, 2026
Expo Guadalajara, Mexico
https://www.foromascotas.mx/en
Pet South America 2026
12 to 14 August, 2026
São Paulo Expo, Brazil
https://petsa.com.br/
Pet Fair Asia 2026
19 to 23 August, 2026
Shanghai, China
https://en.petfairasia.com/
CIPAL 2026
23 to 24 September, 2026
Buenos Aires, Argentina
https://cipal.com.ar/?lang=en
PETZOO Eurasia
07 to 10 October, 2026
İFM- İstanbul Expo Center
https://petfuari.com/en/
SINPET 2026
15 to 16 October, 2026
Porto Alegre, Brazil
https://www.instagram.com/sinpet2026/
FIGAP 2026
21 to 23 October, 2026
Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
https://figap.com/
Pet Fair South East Asia
28 to 30 October, 2026
Bangkok, Thailand
https://petfair-sea.com/