17 May 2012 --- Nestlé Purina PetCare is investing 31 million Australian dollars (more than CHF 29 million) to expand its pet food factory in the state of New South Wales.

The investment programme will make the factory one of the most technologically advanced of its kind in the world when work is completed at the end of this year.

It includes the installation of new technology and the construction of a 5,400 square metre warehouse on the site.

The factory, located in the town of Blayney, currently produces around 100,000 tonnes of products a year for domestic consumption and export.

These include well-known dog and cat food brands such as Beneful, Pro Plan and Friskies.

Nestlé Purina is one of the world’s largest pet food companies, with global sales of more than CHF 13 billion in 2010.

“This latest investment reflects our long-term commitment to our operations in New South Wales,” said David Grant, General Manager for Nestlé Purina PetCare in Australia.

“It will not only boost future product development, but it also brings the factory and its technological capabilities into the 21st century.

“This site is now at the forefront of global manufacturing innovation in our company.”

The factory has become the town of Blayney’s biggest employer since it opened in 1990.

Today, the factory employs more than 200 people and sources more than 80% of its raw materials from within Australia.

The multi-million dollar investment in Australia is the latest of several Nestlé Purina has made in its manufacturing sites around the world over the past 18 months.

In July last year the company invested CHF 45 million to expand its factory in Hungary, and followed by CHF 38 million in its factory in Russia in August.

Nestlé Australia is part of Nestlé Oceania, a subsidiary of Nestlé S.A., the world’s leading fast-moving consumer goods company.

Nestlé Oceania covers Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. It employs more than 5,000 people in more than 70 offices, factories and distribution centres across the region.

Nestlé Oceania's first trademark was registered in New Zealand in 1885. Its first office was opened in Sydney, Australia, in 1908. The company’s regional headquarters are now located in Rhodes, Sydney.

Nestlé Oceania brands include: Nescafé, International Roast, Nesquik, Milo, Maggi, Nestlé Carnation, Country Cup Soups, Kit Kat, Aero, Allens, Uncle Tobys, Nestlé Peters Ice Creams and Sunshine.