- Purina has officially opened its new $550 million pet food manufacturing facility in Batavia, Ohio.
- The plant is Purina’s first factory built from the ground up since 1975 and Nestlé’s largest investment in a Purina manufacturing facility to date.
- More than 430 employees currently work at the facility, with employment expected to surpass 500 when operations are fully scaled.
- The factory is producing Purina Pro Plan, Purina ONE and Dog Chow and is designed to help feed approximately 8 million pets annually.
- Advanced manufacturing features include robotics, automation, digital manufacturing technology and an automated storage and retrieval system.
- Purina also announced two $30,000 community grants supporting animal welfare and families with pets in Clermont County.
Nestlé Purina PetCare has officially opened a new $550 million pet food manufacturing facility in Batavia, Ohio, significantly expanding the company’s U.S. production capacity.
The 1.3 million-square-foot facility, located approximately 30 miles east of Cincinnati, is Purina’s first factory built from the ground up since 1975. According to the company, it also represents the largest investment Nestlé has made in a Purina manufacturing facility.
The factory is already producing Purina Pro Plan, Purina ONE and Dog Chow products. More than 430 employees currently work at the site, with Purina planning to increase employment to more than 500 people when the facility becomes 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.”
The Batavia operation becomes Purina’s 24th U.S. factory and its second manufacturing location in Ohio. The company has operated its Zanesville factory since 1973.
Technology designed to increase manufacturing flexibility
Purina said the Batavia factory incorporates advanced food safety systems, robotics, automation and digital manufacturing tools designed to improve production efficiency and flexibility while maintaining the company’s quality standards.
The facility includes an automated storage and retrieval system and a Manufacturing Experience Center designed to give visitors, students and community leaders a closer look at modern manufacturing.
When operating at scale, the factory is expected to help feed approximately 8 million pets annually. Its manufacturing systems are also designed to allow the company to adjust production in response to changing consumer demand across its pet food portfolio.
“What makes Batavia special is the combination of cutting-edge technology and an exceptional team,” said Mike Ferritto, Batavia factory manager. “We’re proud to produce high-quality products that pet owners trust while building a strong future right here in Clermont County.”
Purina said it selected Batavia because of the region’s manufacturing workforce, location and connection to the Cincinnati-area food manufacturing sector. The company continues to recruit professional staff, engineers, operators and technical specialists as production expands.
Purina announces grants for pets and families
Alongside the factory opening, Purina announced two $30,000 grants through the Purina Foundation for Clermont County organizations.
The League for Animal Welfare will use its grant to develop housing for shelter dogs intended to provide a more comfortable, lower-stress environment while the animals await adoption.
Impacting Tomorrow received a separate $30,000 grant for its Companion Care Project, which will provide pet supplies and veterinary assistance to families experiencing financial hardship.
Purina said the grants are part of its broader community investment efforts in Clermont County, which have also included support for public safety, animal welfare, workforce development and community health organizations.
Information sourced from the company’s press release.
