Secaucus, New Jersey-based Freshpet has named Jay Dahlgren as EVP of manufacturing, technology and supply chain.
This appointment supports Freshpet’s operational improvement plan to drive margin expansion, support long-term growth and improve profitability. The plan was developed by its leadership team and board in August and contains a roadmap to add manufacturing and supply chain expertise, along with a strategy to improve quality, efficiency and add capacity.
These changes have positioned Freshpet to improve productivity and profitability beginning in 2023 and grow into its manufacturing network to support robust consumer demand.
“Our team has made significant progress over the past quarter, improving fill rates into the 90’s and lowering logistics and disposal costs to healthier levels, which positions us for further improvement in 2023,” said Billy Cyr, CEO of Freshpet.
“The addition of Jay to our management team – with his proven execution and deep expertise in manufacturing, supply chain and operations – will further strengthen Freshpet, improve our operations, and support our plan to drive margin enhancement.”
As part of its plan, the company has made progress starting up its Freshpet Kitchen in Ennis, Texas. The company’s producing and shipping from that facility accounts for more than 90 percent of its line-up. The Ennis Kitchen will eventually be Freshpet’s largest and most profitable manufacturing facility as scale and throughput improves.
Dahlgren brings more than 30 years of product supply leadership experience, with knowledge in operations management including manufacturing, distribution, production planning, procurement and logistics.
Previously, he was VP of operations at the J.M. Smucker Company and has had a long track record of operations success with Nestle Purina, Del Monte Foods, Big Heart and Meow Mix before his time at J.M. Smucker. Prior to joining Freshpet in this permanent position, he served the company as a consultant for much of the past year.
To learn more, visit freshpet.com.
