HARTWELL, GA — Nestlé Purina PetCare Co. recently commemorated the opening of its 21st factory in the U.S. in Hartwell, GA.
With a total investment of more than $320 million, the new Hartwell factory is Purina’s first new U.S. factory in two decades and represents Nestlé’s single largest investment in a pet care facility in the last decade in the U.S., Canada and Latin America. Currently nearly 200 employees work at the Hartwell facility, and the number will grow to 240 as new lines and other expansions at the site are completed over the next few years, the company said in a press release. Purina also operates a manufacturing facility in Fairburn, Georgia, which employs 350 people.
“Nestlé Purina is focused on delivering world-class products and is one of our key growth pillars for Nestlé,” said Laurent Freixe, Nestlé CEO for the Americas. “Purina is in a position of strength for long-term sustainable growth and this investment in Hartwell demonstrates Nestlé’s commitment to continually innovate and shape the future of pet care.”
Purina announced its investment in Hartwell in 2017 and began initial operations of a distribution center at the site in spring 2018. The company purchased a long-idled textile facility that it set out to remake and rebuild with the installation of modern equipment and technology for production of brands including Fancy Feast. The opening marks the first step in launching the Hartwell factory’s production.
“Through this investment in Hartwell, Purina is continuing to deliver science-based nutrition made to the highest standards of quality and safety that pet owners have come to trust for more than 90 years,” said Joseph Sivewright, Purina CEO. “Purina’s Hartwell team is critical to helping us deliver quality nutrition so pets can live longer, healthier lives with their owners. We’re very excited to be a part of the Hartwell community, and we’re proud of the great teamwork by everyone involved to build a world-class facility that will operate in a sustainable way.”
The Hartwell factory is using innovative water conservation and treatment methods, aims to be powered by 100 percent renewable electricity in the near future and currently sends zero waste for disposal to traditional landfills, instead utilizing composting, recycling and energy recovery, according to the release.
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Purina’s investment in Hartwell also makes a significant contribution to the local economy and community. Purina has engaged with the community since work began in early 2018 by actively supporting local pet shelters and rescues, education, civic causes and hunger relief.
At the grand opening ceremony for the new factory, Purina also announced a $20,000 donation to the Northeast Georgia Council on Domestic Violence as part of its Purple Leash Project, a partnership between Purina and national non-profit RedRover.
“I am proud to congratulate Purina on the opening of their 21st U.S. factory in Hart County,” said Georgia Gov. Brian P. Kemp. “As one of the nation’s leading pet food companies, Purina’s expansion into Hartwell and continued commitment in Fairburn are creating exciting opportunities for hardworking Georgians and their families, and I am grateful for their investment in our state. I am excited to see another member of the Georgia Made family grow their operations, and I have no doubt that our top-notch workforce will ensure Purina’s continued success in the years ahead.”
