OTTAWA — The major competitor to Kennel Aire has bought the company and plans to shut down the Ottawa plant and move operations to Texas. Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce president Tom Weigand said he’s been calling Petmate to see if some of the Ottawa jobs can be salvaged but he said it’s not very likely at this point. He said he doesn’t expect Petmate to transfer any of the nearly 80 employees. The shutdown will take about 60 to 90 days, he said. Both Kennel Aire and Petmate make pet carriers and kennels. Kennel Aire, which moved to Ottawa from Coffey County about 13 years ago, has been an asset to the community and the local manager, Chester Beaver, has been a leader in the business community, Weigand said. If the company plant closes, a new industry will likely move into the building relatively quickly, he said.
Tuesday, July 26, 1 p.m.
