Jefferson Rubber Division Acquires Astro Pet Toys
Maker of pet toys adds to lineup of popular, American-made products
Worcester, MA—Ruff Dawg Pet Toys, a division of Jefferson Rubber Works of Worcester, MA, has announced the acquisition of Astro Manufacturing Co., also of Worcester, and its line of Astro Pet Toys. The acquisition adds to Ruff Dawg’s unique and popular array of American-made products.
“We are incredibly excited to incorporate Astro Pet Toys into the Ruff Dawg portfolio,” said Ruff Dawg owner Dave Pentland. “Astro’s products are proven sellers and will help us expand into new markets while staying true to our values, including our products are manufactured in the USA.”
Ruff Dawg currently manufactures and distributes over 100 tear and puncture resistant Ruff Toys, such as the K9 Flyer, the SuperTug and the Wabbit. Moving forward, pet toys formerly distributed by Astro Pet Toys will be known as Ruff Dawg by AstroBone products, including AstroBone, AstroGummy Bone, AstroSqueakyBall and AstroFlying Disc. Ruff Dawg expects to double the manufacturing of these products while designing and manufacturing new AstroBone by Ruff Dawg pet toys.
Ruff Dawg expects to add between five and 15 full-time employees and will offer positions to key Astro Pet Toys staff members.
“This represents the union of two Worcester, MA-based companies and is an opportunity for job growth in the area as we expand our manufacturing and distribution operations,” Pentland added. “We plan to become a force in the pet toy industry and believe that the Ruff Dawg by AstroBone line will open doors into grocery store, drug store, big box and other local, regional and national outlets.”
About Ruff Dawg:
Created in 1995, Ruff Dawg pet toys is a division of Jefferson Rubber Works of Worcester, MA, a custom rubberrmolding supplier incorporated in 197,5 and producing cost-efficient rubber molded parts including rubber bellow and rubber grommets for large volume rubber consumers. Ruff Dawg products, including retrieving and pull toys, are designed and manufactured to be rugged, bendable and tear resistant, gentle on teeth and gums, and appropriate for dogs of all sizes. For more information, visit www.RuffDawg.com.
