Purina Opens New Pet Food Factory in Ohio, Its First Built from the Ground Up in More Than 50 Years

Representing an investment of more than $550 million, 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 facility is already producing trusted Purina brands including Purina Pro Plan, Purina ONE and Dog Chow and currently employs more than 430 associates, with plans to grow to more than 500 team members when fully operational.

"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."

Located approximately 30 miles east of Cincinnati, the Batavia operation expands Purina's manufacturing footprint in Ohio and becomes the company's 24th factory in the United States. The 1.3 million-square-foot facility was designed to help meet ongoing consumer demand for high-quality, nutritious pet food while providing greater flexibility and efficiency across Purina's manufacturing network.

"Today is a great day for Clermont County as Nestlé Purina officially opens its new pet food factory in Ohio, bringing hundreds of new jobs to the region," said Governor DeWine. "Ohio is truly the heart of opportunity, and this investment will have long-lasting impacts on the local economy and the people who live here."

"Purina's investment is a tremendous milestone for Clermont County and a testament to the strength of our workforce, our business community and our shared commitment to growth," said Bonnie Batchler, president of the Clermont County Board of Commissioners. "This facility has already created hundreds of jobs and new opportunities for our residents, and Purina's ongoing investment in local organizations demonstrates the company's commitment to being a valued community partner. We are proud to welcome Purina to Clermont County and look forward to the positive impact this facility will have for generations to come."

A Factory Designed for the Future

Inspired by innovative Nestlé facilities around the world, the Batavia factory incorporates advanced food safety systems, digital manufacturing tools, robotics and automation to support efficient production while maintaining Purina's world-class quality standards. The facility's 10-plus-story design includes an Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS), advanced digital manufacturing technology and a Manufacturing Experience Center that helps visitors, students and community leaders better understand modern manufacturing.

The facility will help feed approximately eight million pets annually and is designed to quickly adapt to changing consumer needs across Purina's portfolio of trusted brands.

"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."

Investing in Ohio and Clermont County

Purina selected Batavia because of the region's strong manufacturing heritage, talented workforce and strategic location within the Cincinnati area's food manufacturing ecosystem. This project also expands Purina's manufacturing footprint in Ohio, joining its long-standing Zanesville factory that has operated in the state since 1973. The company continues to hire professional staff, engineers, operators and technical specialists as Batavia operations expand.

Beyond manufacturing investments, Purina has focused on becoming an active community partner throughout Clermont County. Through the Purina Foundation and local engagement efforts, the company has supported organizations focused on public safety, animal welfare, workforce development and community well-being. Past community investments have included support for Williamsburg Township Emergency Services, Union Township Police Department and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.

During today's celebration, Purina recognized local partners and community organizations helping create a stronger future for the region while reinforcing the company's commitment to operating as a good neighbor for years to come.

During the grand opening celebration, Purina announced two $30,000 grants through the Purina Foundation to support organizations serving people and pets across Clermont County. The League for Animal Welfare received funding to help create innovative housing for shelter dogs, providing a more comfortable, low-stress environment while they wait for adoption.

Impacting Tomorrow was awarded a $30,000 grant to support its new Companion Care Project, which will provide pet supplies and veterinary assistance to local families facing financial hardship, helping keep people and pets together during challenging times. These investments reflect Purina's ongoing commitment to supporting organizations that strengthen communities and improve the lives of both people and pets

About Nestlé Purina PetCare

Nestlé Purina PetCare creates richer lives for pets and the people who love them. Founded in 1894, Purina has helped dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives by offering scientifically based nutritional innovations.

Purina manufactures some of the world's most trusted and popular pet care products, including Purina ONE, Pro Plan, Friskies and Tidy Cats. Our more than 11,000 U.S. associates take pride in our trusted pet food, treat and litter brands that feed 46 million dogs and 68 million cats every year. Nearly 500 Purina scientists, veterinarians, and pet care experts ensure our commitment to unsurpassed quality and nutrition.

Over the past five years, Purina has contributed more than $150 million towards organizations that bring, and keep, people and pets together, as well as those that help our communities and environment thrive.

Purina is part of Nestlé, a global leader in Nutrition, Health and Wellness. For more information, visit purina.com or subscribe here to get the latest Purina news.

SOURCE Nestle Purina PetCare