Nestlé Investing $199.3M into Purina PetCare Facility

Nestlé is investing more than $199.3 million (GBP 150 million) in its Nestlé Purina PetCare factory in Wisbech, UK. This follows other recent investments in Purina facilities around the world, as Nestlé's pet care business has grown strongly in recent years.

The Wisbech site is home to some of the UK's favorite pet food brands including Felix, Gourmet, and Winalot.

Construction is underway with completion expected in early 2025, to include installing latest technology and machinery on its existing production lines, a revamp of facilities for the factory's 600 workers, and initiatives to improve energy efficiency and to help reduce carbon emissions.

The site will employ 40 new skilled workers, focused on optimizing and maintaining the new technology being introduced as part of the upgrades. Nestlé Purina is also investing in skills training for existing employees as part of the program.

In 2023, pet care accounted for around 20% of total sales for Nestlé, up from around 12% a decade ago. The company has recently announced a number of significant investments in pet care sites with facilities in the US, Brazil, and Hungary.

The investment is in line with Purina's mission to create richer lives for pets and the people who love them, while contributing to a more sustainable planet. It also reflects the company's commitment to meeting the evolving trends in pet care and the growing emphasis on pet well-being.