Ware Manufacturing, a Tennessee-based plant that manufactures quality products for pets, announced today that it is increasing its work force and floor space.

The Hawkins County Industrial Development Board agreed Thursday to sell an additional 1.5 acres to Ware Manufacturing behind its plant at the Phipps Bend Industrial Park to make room for an expansion that will increase the existing 107,000-square-foot facility by another 42,500 square feet.

Ware specializes in manufacturing products for dogs, cats, small animals and birds — including chickens.

Among the retailers that sell Ware products are PetSmart, PETCO and Tractor Supply.

Ware’s Phipps Bend plant started the year with about 75 employees and has already added 16 new jobs in 2011.

Hawkins County Industrial Developer Lynn Lawson told the IDB Thursday that after the expansion is completed, the Ware work force is expected to increase to around 105.