Nestlé Purina plans $195M expansion in Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers on Thursday announced that pet food maker Nestl Purina PetCare Company will invest $195 million to expand its factory in Jefferson, Wisconsin. The expansion is expected to bring 100 jobs.

“We are thrilled that Nestl Purina is moving forward with expanding its Jefferson facility and that we could be a partner in helping support this effort, which will bring roughly 100 new jobs to the community,” Evers said in a statement. “Nestl Purina has a more than 100-year history in our state, and we are excited to celebrate this world-class brand’s commitment to seeing many more years of continued success and local economic development in Wisconsin,” he added.

The project is supported by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, which authorized up to $1.7 million performance-based tax credits over the next five years, governor’s officials said. But the actual amount of tax credits Purina will receive depends on how many jobs are created and the amount of capital investment during that period.

The 35,000-square-foot expansion will increase wet pet food production by 50%, governor’s officials said. Purina has operated in Jefferson for nearly 115 years and employees more than 250 local workers.

“Investing in our Jefferson factory deepens our roots in the community while helping us provide pet owners across the northern part of the United States with the trusted, science-based pet foods their dogs and cats love,” said Nolan Terry, Purina’s chief technical officer. “We remain focused on safety, quality and sustainability in our operations and appreciate the state and local partners who have supported our growth,” he added.

The expansion is part of a larger growth strategy for the pet care company, which recently opened a new dry pet food facility in Eden, North Carolina, and an expansion of a litter factory in King William, Virginia. Nestl plans to invest $2 billion in Purina factory and capital expansion projects between 2020 and 2025.

“Nestl Purina is an iconic global brand whose continued investment in Wisconsin underscores our state’s ability to compete on the world stage,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC. “This is a huge win for our state and for the people of Jefferson and surrounding communities,” he added.

Jefferson created a tax incremental financing district to provide up to $2 million in assistance to the company for project costs over a 20-year period, officials said.

“The expansion of Nestl Purina’s facility is a testament to the strong relationship between our city and the business community,” said Jefferson Mayor Dale Opperman. “We applaud Nestl Purina for its continued investment in Jefferson, which will enhance our economic vitality and create a more promising future for all who call our city home,” he added.

The news follows Kikkoman Corp.’s announcement to build a $560 million soy sauce production plant in Jefferson. That project will also get support from WEDC in the form of $15.5 million in tax credits.

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