Nestlé Purina PetCare Opens Expanded Factory in Australia

14 Oct 2014 --- Nestlé Australia has unveiled a $65 million upgrade to its site in the NSW central west town of Blayney, extending the capabilities of the plant and creating around 100 additional full time jobs.

The latest upgrade brings the total investment to nearly $100 million since 2011, making it a state-of-the-art pet food facility.

The new facility, officially opened today, will produce ‘wet’ pet food to be sold in pouches in Australia and exported to countries such as Japan, China and ASEAN markets.

It’s expected the new plant will boost the factory’s annual production to over 100,000 tonnes.

More than 80 per cent of raw materials used at the factory are sourced domestically, including meat, grains and packaging, with a strong focus on buying ingredients from within the local region.

The latest upgrade, which has taken almost two years to complete, includes the installation of world-class production equipment, a 5,400 square metre warehouse, and an upgrade to the Research and Development facility, putting the Nestlé Purina PetCare Blayney factory at the forefront of innovation.

In unveiling the upgrade Federal Member for Calare, Mr John Cobb, said the investment was a huge confidence boost for regional Australia.

“To have the world’s biggest food company make this kind of investment into Blayney reinforces the economic stability of Calare and NSW – it shows that we are ready and willing to do business to help create jobs and security for our people,” Mr Cobb said.

“We are extremely pleased that Nestlé Purina PetCare has decided to make its Blayney factory one of the most technologically advanced among its many manufacturing sites globally – we are very encouraged by the ongoing investment that the company is making in this region,” he said.

Nestlé Purina PetCare President Rafael Lopez said that the plant was an investment in the nutrition, health and wellness of pets.

“This technology has the capability and flexibility to create demand for a premium product, with the taste profile pets prefer, with the simplicity of packaging and serving their owners prefer, and with the outstanding balanced nutrition needed to help pets live happier, healthier and longer lives,” Mr Lopez said.

Nestlé Purina PetCare Vice President Operations Suleman Khan said that bringing the best in technology to the facility, combined with the passion and technical know-how of the Blayney team, was key to ensuring future success.

“It’s important that manufacturing facilities remain competitive to ensure future investment within the region,” Mr Khan said.

“That means bringing together the right factory, in the right location, making the right products, at the best cost,” Mr Khan said.

Between 2011 and 2015 more than 100 new full time jobs have been added to the existing 200 employees of the Nestlé Purina PetCare factory. As well, an additional 80 contract positions were required during construction.

The Nestlé Purina PetCare factory, which began operation in 1989, manufactures a wide range of products including dry cat and dog food such as Supercoat, Beneful, Lucky Dog, Pro Plan and Friskies for domestic and export markets.