Just a year after the grand opening of its plant in Northeast Georgia, the Nestlé Purina PetCare Company said it will invest $550 million to expand its Hartwell pet food manufacturing facility.
The move means an additional 130 jobs for Hart County.
"It’s a pleasure to see a world-renowned company like Nestlé Purina expand their operations in the Peach State,” said Gov. Brian Kemp in a news release. "Our highly skilled workforce of hardworking Georgians has been critical to attracting new jobs and investment to every corner of the state. I’m excited for what this will mean for Hart County and the surrounding region, and I'm grateful for Nestlé Purina's continued investment in Georgia."
In 2017, Purina announced plans to open a wet pet food factory in Hartwell, with a commitment to invest $320 million and employ 240 people by 2023. As a result of the growing demand for Purina’s pet care brands, the facility is expanding to add processing, packaging and warehouse capacity, for a total of $870 million committed to the company’s Hartwell operations. The expansion in Hartwell is part of a broader growth plan for Purina, according to the company, which also includes new factories recently announced in other U.S. locations. Purina brands feed 49 million dogs and 66 million cats every year, and the Hartwell location produces several of the company’s flagship brands, including Fancy Feast.
“Purina is thrilled to be expanding our operations in Hartwell,” said Purina Factory Manager Winston Silva. “Through this investment, we will continue delivering the science-based nutrition pet lovers have come to trust for more than 90 years, with a continued commitment to safety and sustainability in our operations. We’re proud to be a part of the Hartwell community and look forward to expanding our Purina family while also continuing to make a positive impact for pets and people in Northeast Georgia.”
New jobs in Hartwell will include positions in manufacturing and assembly from the associate level through management opportunities. Individuals interested in career opportunities are encouraged to visit purinajobs.com/Hartwell for additional information.
“Nestlé Purina has become an important corporate citizen in Hart County, providing significant job opportunities and investment in our community,” said Hart County Commission Chair Joey Dorsey. “The Hart County Board of Commissioners is pleased to see Nestlé Purina thriving and planning continued growth in Hart County.”
Purina also is committed to the community and supports local pet shelters and rescue efforts as well as education and hunger relief programs, along with supporting other initiatives. Purina donated $20,000 to the Northeast Georgia Council on Domestic Violence (NGCDV) as part of its Purple Leash Project, a partnership between Purina and national nonprofit RedRover, to renovate the shelter’s pet-friendly features.
