Purina opens new $550 million factory in Ohio

Facility is Purina's first built from the ground up since 1975 and its largest single investment in a manufacturing plant to date.

2 Lisa Selfie December 2020 Headshot
The Batavia factory is Purina's first brand-new factory built from the ground up since 1975 and the largest investment Nestlé has made in a Purina manufacturing facility to date.
The Batavia factory is Purina's first brand-new factory built from the ground up since 1975 and the largest investment Nestlé has made in a Purina manufacturing facility to date.
Nestlé Purina PetCare

Nestlé Purina PetCare opened a new $550 million pet food manufacturing facility in Batavia, Ohio, marking the company's first ground-up factory construction since 1975 and its largest investment in a Purina manufacturing facility to date. The 1.3 million-square-foot plant produces premium pet food brands and currently employs over 430 workers with plans to grow to 500 employees.

  • $550 million investment in Batavia, Ohio represents Purina's largest manufacturing facility investment ever
  • First ground-up factory construction since 1975 for the pet care company
  • 1.3 million-square-foot facility produces Purina Pro Plan, Purina ONE and Dog Chow for approximately 8 million pets annually
  • Currently employs 430+ workers with plans to grow to 500 employees at full operational capacity
  • Features automated storage systems, robotics, digital manufacturing technology and a Manufacturing Experience Center for community education

Nestlé Purina PetCare has opened a new pet food manufacturing facility in Batavia, Ohio, U.S., representing an investment of more than $550 million. The plant is Purina's first built from the ground up since 1975 and the largest investment Nestlé has made in a Purina manufacturing facility to date.

The 1.3 million-square-foot facility is already producing Purina Pro Plan, Purina ONE and Dog Chow. It currently employs more than 430 associates, with plans to grow to more than 500 employees when fully operational. The plant is designed to help feed approximately 8 million pets annually.

Located about 30 miles east of Cincinnati, the Batavia facility is Purina's 24th factory in the U.S. and expands the company's manufacturing footprint in Ohio, joining its Zanesville factory, which has operated in the state since 1973. Purina said it selected Batavia because of the region's manufacturing workforce and its location within the Cincinnati area's food manufacturing sector. The company said it continues to hire engineers, operators and technical specialists as operations expand.

"Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Purina in Ohio," said Nina Leigh Krueger, president and CEO of Purina. "The Batavia factory reflects our long-term commitment to American manufacturing, innovation and the communities where we operate. By investing in state-of-the-art infrastructure and partnering with a skilled workforce and supportive community, we have built a facility that will help us serve pets and their owners for generations to come."

The Batavia facility features automated storage and retrieval, digital manufacturing technology, and a Manufacturing Experience Center for visitors and students.The Batavia facility features automated storage and retrieval, digital manufacturing technology, and a Manufacturing Experience Center for visitors and students.Nestlé Purina PetCareThe facility includes an Automated Storage and Retrieval System, digital manufacturing technology, robotics and automation, along with a Manufacturing Experience Center intended to help visitors, students and community leaders understand modern manufacturing processes.

"What makes Batavia special is the combination of cutting-edge technology and an exceptional team," said Mike Ferritto, Batavia factory manager. "This facility represents the very best of Purina's manufacturing expertise, and our associates are bringing that vision to life every day. We're proud to produce high-quality products that pet owners trust while building a strong future right here in Clermont County."

The 1.3 million-square-foot facility is already producing Purina Pro Plan, Purina ONE and Dog Chow.The 1.3 million-square-foot facility is already producing Purina Pro Plan, Purina ONE and Dog Chow.Nestlé Purina PetCareThrough the Purina Foundation, the company has supported organizations in Clermont County focused on public safety, animal welfare, workforce development and community well-being, including Williamsburg Township Emergency Services, Union Township Police Department and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

During the grand opening, Purina announced two $30,000 grants through the Purina Foundation. The League for Animal Welfare received funding to create housing for shelter dogs. Impacting Tomorrow received a grant to support its Companion Care Project, which provides pet supplies and veterinary assistance to families facing financial hardship.

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