World-Class Pet Food Facilities.

Purina was looking to expand its U.S. pet food operations and was in search for the perfect partner for two monumental projects: the company’s first greenfield facility since 1975 in Williamsburg Township, OH, and a renovation and revitalization of an old brewery into a world-class pet food facility in Eden, NC. Purina selected Gray, and through Gray’s family of brands, fully integrated, robust services are being implemented for both projects.

In Ohio, the site will be transformed into a 1.2 million s.f. pet food facility built to Purina’s world-class quality and food safety standards. The design is inspired by some of the most innovative Nestlé facilities around the globe.

This new greenfield facility will produce leading dry dog and cat food brands, including Purina Pro Plan, Purina ONE, and Dog Chow.

Purina plans to employ more than 300 people at its new factory location by 2024. Many of these jobs will include professional staff, production operators, technical staff, and engineers.

In North Carolina, a former brewery located along the Virginia border is being transformed into an innovative, technically advanced pet food manufacturing facility expected to be operational in 2022. Upon completion, the operation will produce several leading dry dog and cat food brands.

The facility will measure nearly 1.3 million s.f. and will sit on more than 1,300 acres. Purina plans to employ more than 300 people at its Eden, NC factory by 2024.

“Through these expansions we are building on our more than 90-year history of making science-based dog and cat foods that pet owners trust,” said Nina Leigh Krueger, President, Nestlé Purina U.S. “Despite the challenging times we have all been living in, Purina has remained resilient. These strategic and long-term investments demonstrate our commitment to providing high-quality nutrition for pets.”

Each facility will be technologically advanced, utilizing robotics and innovative digital tools. The facilities will also feature on-site training centers to promote learning and development.

Both new operations are designed with sustainability at the forefront, including a commitment to send zero waste for disposal, and production processes designed to recover and reuse heat and water. Purina also is striving to make the facility 100% powered by renewable electricity in the shortest practical timeframe while supporting the company’s goal for zero environmental impact in company operations by 2030.