Nestlé Purina PetCare announces the completion of a $19 million expansion project in Dunkirk, New York, to increase production capacity for Fancy Feast Savory Cravings, a new cat treat innovation that keeps Purina on the cutting edge of form and function. Leveraging a traditional bar design concept from Nestlé's confectionary business, Purina's new Fancy Feast Savory Cravings bars can be broken into smaller bites to extend treat time for cats.
"Expanding our treats production capacity in Dunkirk allows us to continue providing pet owners with breakthrough products and superior quality," said Nolan Terry, Vice President of Manufacturing at Purina. "This latest innovation continues our legacy of delivering high-quality products pet lovers have come to trust for more than 90 years.
The expansion features a new fully customized and automated production process for Purina Fancy Feast Savory Cravings, which are currently available in Beef, Salmon and Beef & Crab flavors at retailers nationwide. Fancy Feast Savory Cravings packaging is fully recyclable. The treat's wrapper is recyclable at store drop off while the remaining components, including the carton and tray, are paper-based and can be recycled through existing community recycling programs.
Purina's investment in Dunkirk operations is one of several active expansions at the company's pet care facilities across the United States. In total, $2 billion is being committed to Purina's U.S. pet care operations and the creation of more than 900 jobs by 2025.
"Purina is proud to continue investing in western New York, providing critical jobs for the region and keeping our employees safe during a challenging year, all while supporting our local community and providing innovative new products from the trusted brands Americans depend on," said Anthony De La O, Purina Factory Manager in Dunkirk.
In support of the local community during the pandemic, Purina donated nearly $920,000 in monetary and pet food donations while adding 104 associates to its Dunkirk manufacturing facility. Purina currently employees more than 500 associates in Dunkirk, where operations began in 1972.