Dog Treat Maker Expands Operations in Wilkes-Barre Warehouse

Northern Pet PA to add chicken and beef dog treat manufacturing at Darling Street facility.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:54pm

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A photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a selection of polished, geometric shapes representing the raw materials and production process for Northern Pet PA's new chicken and beef dog treats, conveying a sense of quality, safety, and innovation in the pet food industry.Northern Pet PA's investment in a new high-tech dog treat production facility showcases the company's commitment to quality, safety, and innovation in the premium pet food market.Wilkes-Barre Today

Northern Pet PA, a dog snack company, is expanding operations at its 28,000-square-foot warehouse on Darling Street in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The company plans to add a 5,000-square-foot clean room and processing area to manufacture chicken- and beef-based dog treats, in addition to its current sweet potato treat production and warehousing. The expansion will create 10 new jobs.

Why it matters

The expansion of Northern Pet PA's operations in Wilkes-Barre highlights the growing demand for premium pet treats and the city's appeal as a hub for food manufacturing. The company's investment in odor mitigation systems also addresses past community concerns about the facility's impact.

The details

Northern Pet PA co-founder Reuven Lakein appeared before the Wilkes-Barre zoning board to request a special exception to add the manufacturing and warehousing of chicken- and beef-based dog treats to the facility's current operations. The company plans to convert nearly 5,000 square feet of the warehouse into a clean room and processing area that will be BRC certified, the highest level of food safety. Lakein said the company sources fresh, frozen animal parts from slaughterhouses, slices them, dries them, and then packs the treats. To address odor concerns that previously led to the facility's temporary shutdown, Lakein outlined a two-step odor mitigation system involving large carbon filters and an enzymatic misting system.

  • In November 2025, the city temporarily shut down the Northern Pet PA facility due to a foul odor emanating from the building.
  • On April 16, 2026, Reuven Lakein appeared before the Wilkes-Barre zoning hearing board to request a special exception for the expansion.

The players

Northern Pet PA

A dog snack company that is expanding its operations in Wilkes-Barre to include the manufacturing of chicken- and beef-based dog treats, in addition to its current sweet potato treat production and warehousing.

Reuven Lakein

The co-founder of Northern Pet PA who appeared before the Wilkes-Barre zoning hearing board to request a special exception for the company's expansion plans.

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What they’re saying

“Right now, this facility is primarily used for warehousing and shipping. We'd like to take an almost 5,000-square-foot area of it and turn it into a clean room, a processing spot which is going to be BRC certified, which is the highest level of food safety.”

— Reuven Lakein, Co-founder, Northern Pet PA

“We take leftover parts of the animal from slaughterhouses. It comes to us freshly frozen. We slice it, it goes into a drying room where it's dried, and then it gets packed.”

— Reuven Lakein, Co-founder, Northern Pet PA

What’s next

The Wilkes-Barre zoning hearing board unanimously approved Northern Pet PA's request for a special exception to add the manufacturing and warehousing of chicken- and beef-based dog treats to the facility's operations.

The takeaway

The expansion of Northern Pet PA's operations in Wilkes-Barre demonstrates the city's appeal as a hub for food manufacturing, particularly in the growing pet treat industry. The company's investment in odor mitigation systems also shows its commitment to addressing past community concerns and operating responsibly within the local neighborhood.