– AFB International, a global leader in pet food palatability solutions and a
subsidiary of Ensign-Bickford Industries, proudly announces the grand opening of its new Asia Pacific Regional
Headquarters and state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Samut Prakan, Thailand. The facility will play a key role
supporting the rapid growth of the pet food industry in Asia while enabling AFB to better meet the evolving needs of its
customers in the region.
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.
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.
Photo: AFB International / AFB Thailand, the first regional headquarters and manufacturing facility in the Asia Pacific region
