Nestlé Purina Opens Automated, Robotics-Enabled Manufacturing Facility

Nestlé Purina has opened its most advanced manufacturing facility yet. 

The 1.3 million-square-foot facility in Batavia, Ohio, represents an investment of more than $500 million and is Purina's first newly constructed factory since 1975. The facility will help Nestlé meet increasing consumer demand for brands such as Purina Pro Plan, Purina One and Dog Chow while providing greater flexibility and efficiency across its manufacturing network.

It incorporates advanced food safety systems, digital manufacturing tools, robotics and automation. The building also includes an automated storage and retrieval system and a Manufacturing Experience Center through which visitors, students and community leaders can better understand modern manufacturing.

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"What makes Batavia special is the combination of cutting-edge technology and an exceptional team," Mike Ferritto, Batavia factory manager, said in a statement. "This facility represents the very best of Purina's manufacturing expertise and our associates are bringing that vision to life every day."

This marks the 24th Purina factory in the United States. It currently employs more than 430 associates, with plans to grow to more than 500 team members when fully operational.

"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," Nestlé Purina president and CEO Nina Leigh Krueger said in a statement.