Nestlé

Nestlé builds on success in Wisconsin

Purina pet food plant expands, keeps its roots in Jefferson

For 115 years, the Nestlé Purina PetCare Co. has operated in Jefferson, providing jobs for the community and quality pet food for millions of dogs and cats. But when the company, owned by the Swiss-based food and nutrition giant Nestlé, began pondering an expansion and possible relocation, state and local officials went to work with company officials to ensure that the firm’s long tenure in Jefferson would continue. In a growth strategy, the company mapped out $2 billion in capital investments over five years to expand its pet food business, which has more than 20 locations in the U.S. As the strategy unfolded, company officials considered locations in Pennsylvania and Georgia as potential sites for relocating the Jefferson plant. The company prioritized the location that would provide the best return on investment.

Teamwork keeps a long-term employer

State and local officials worked together with Nestlé representatives to craft a package of incentives aimed at keeping the company’s expansion and its 250 jobs in Jefferson. Officials delivered incentives that included local assistance through a Tax Increment Financing District and $1.7 million in performance-based state tax credits through WEDC. Ultimately, Nestlé opted to stay in Wisconsin.

With deep roots in the state, the company also has a skilled and experienced workforce that is expected to grow by 100 jobs over the next five years. Its $195 million project—including $160 million in equipment upgrades, land acquisition, and plant expansion—will enable establishment of a third production line at the Jefferson site. Begun in the fourth quarter of 2023, that expansion is expected to increase plant capacity by 40-50%. Its existing 300,000-square-foot plant will grow its footprint by 35,000 square feet as part of the project.

Purina Pro Plan cat food just one of the many pet food processed at the Jefferson facility.

Business community, state reap benefits

The decision to expand in Wisconsin serves the company’s interests as well as contributing further to the state’s already-strong business climate.

“Nestlé 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, WEDC secretary and CEO. “This is a huge win for our state and for the people of Jefferson and surrounding communities.”

Company officials were also enthusiastic about the project and its effect on the Jefferson area. “Investing in our Jefferson factory deepens our roots in the community while helping us provide pet owners across the northern part of the U.S. with the trusted, science-based pet food their dogs and cats love,” said Terry Nolan, 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 continued growth.”