Nestlé Purina commemorated the opening of its distribution center in Hartwell, Georgia, during a ceremony May 19, 2018. The site is also the future home of the company's 21st manufacturing facility, where popular and high-quality Purina pet food brands will be produced beginning in mid-2019.
The 190,000-sq ft. distribution center currently employs more than 40 people and distributes Purina dog and cat food to retailers throughout the southeast region. Purina's leading brands in the US include Purina ONE, Tidy Cats, Beneful, Friskies, Fancy Feast and Purina Pro Plan.
"We're thrilled to have the leading pet food company in the US make this kind of investment in Hartwell," said Brandon Johnson, mayor of Hartwell. "Purina's expansion here reinforces our actions to support industry, agriculture and our continuing emphasis on workforce development."
Purina's expansion across the US
Purina's expansion in Hartwell is one example of how the company is making investments to grow the business and advance pet care. In 2018 alone, Purina will invest US$500 million into its factories across the US for projects that support innovation and expansion.
With a total expected investment of US$320 million by 2023, Purina's Hartwell site will be among the most modern pet food factories and feature best-in-class production equipment. Hartwell is Purina's second facility in Georgia, where the company also employs 300 people at its Atlanta pet food factory.
In Hartwell, Purina will employ approximately 240 people by 2023. Future job openings include positions in administration, production, engineering, maintenance and more.
Purina expands into India and Pakistan
Purina PetCare has expanded their dog and cat food brands’ presence in southern Asia by moving into both India and Pakistan. On February 18, Nestle Purina promoted the launch of their pet foods in Pakistan with a dog show, reported Global Village Space. In January, Purina introduced Supercoat dog food into the Indian market, reported The Hindu Business Line.
The Labrador Retriever Club of Pakistan collaborated with Purina to bring the pet food maker’s products to Pakistan, according to the report. The show was held at Rafi Cricket Stadium. Dog breeder Tabatha Buckley Bettis judged the contest. Nestle, Purina’s parent company, has been active in Pakistan since 1988.
