Major employer to close at Rolla

Rolla and Phelps County have been home of the Royal Canin plant for many years, but that relationship will end in April when the plant’s parent company shuts the old Rolla plant down and expands production in two other plants that are newer.

The original locally owned Bow-Wow dog plant began on Sixth Street, near the Sowers Building (home of Rolla Daily News, now Phelps County Focus), then was absorbed into Royal Canin that moved operations to the current location, and was later absorbed by Mars.

It manufactures dog food.

Two state representatives, including Houston’s Bennie Cook, are assisting in dealing with the development.