The Clorox Company opened a new state-of-the-art cat litter plant in Martinsburg, West Virginia on Friday.
The facility will bring some $190 million to the local economy by making Fresh Step and Scoop Away cat litter.
The new factory will create more than 100 new full-time jobs for potential managers, engineers and production associates.
The main building has a 97,000-sq-ft footprint, with another 450,000-sq-ft warehouse nearby.
This is Clorox's third facility in the state along with Kingsford charcoal plants in Beryl and Parsons.
The company hopes to ramp up to full capacity in Martinsburg by early next year.
To mark the official start of production, Clorox leaders cut the first bag of cat litter to come off the manufacturing line.
The company is donating $5,000 and a year’s supply of cat litter to a local humane society.
Clorox is also working closely with Blue Ridge Community & Technical College on internship programs that could lead to full-time jobs for students.
The company’s administrative team used the school’s office and workforce development space during construction. At the event, Clorox executives presented the school with a $10,000 donation as an expression of gratitude.