Nestlé Purina PetCare will hold an official grand opening for its new pet food factory in Batavia, Ohio, U.S., this August, bringing together company leadership, local and state officials, community partners and associates to mark the facility's transition to full production.
The $550 million investment represents Purina's first ground-up factory construction since 1975. The Batavia facility will become the company's 24th U.S. factory and is described as its most advanced pet food manufacturing facility in the country.
"We are looking forward to officially opening the doors of our Batavia factory and celebrating this historic moment for our team," said Mike Ferritto, Purina Batavia's factory manager. "As one of the largest investments Nestlé has made in a Purina manufacturing facility to date, this facility represents the future of pet food manufacturing. The factory combines world-class innovation with the talented workforce here in Clermont County."
The facility is already producing dry cat and dog food from Purina's science-based brand portfolio, including Purina Pro Plan, Purina ONE and Dog Chow. The factory currently employs more than 340 associates, with plans to grow to more than 500 when fully operational. The site is part of the Cincinnati area's food manufacturing ecosystem, which includes more than 300 food and flavoring companies.
"By investing in state-of-the-art manufacturing infrastructure and partnering with committed communities like Clermont County, we're building a facility that will serve pet owners and their beloved companions for generations to come," said Nina Leigh Krueger, Purina CEO and president. "Our new Batavia factory will play a vital role in strengthening our supply chain and ensuring families across the country have access to the trusted Purina products their pets thrive on."
The $550 million investment represents the company's first ground-up factory construction since 1975.Nestlé Purina PetCare
Announced in 2020, the 1.3 million-square-foot operation is equipped with the best innovation and thinking to make production and logistics as streamlined and efficient as possible, said the company.
One innovation example is the automated warehousing system. Conveyors were recently installed inside the more than 10-story structure, with more equipment installation, fitting and testing to come. There are also several digital and automated technologies being incorporated into the production process to protect employees and products.
A signature feature of the new facility will be the Manufacturing Experience Center, which is being designed to help educate local leaders, community partners and special visitors on Purina’s manufacturing process. The space will be used to help demystify manufacturing and showcase the various skilled trades and digital-focused practices embraced in today’s processes, said the company.
The new facility is expected to produce leading dry dog and cat food brands, including Purina Pro Plan, Purina ONE and Dog Chow.
Purina has contributed more than $346,000 to Clermont County organizations through the Purina Foundation, including support for emergency services, law enforcement and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. The grand opening event will include remarks from Purina leaders and local officials.
