Purina has inaugurated a $550 million pet food production plant in Batavia, Ohio, the first facility of its kind built from the ground up since 1975 and the largest single investment in a Purina manufacturing location in company records. Spanning 1.3 million square feet about 30 miles east of Cincinnati, the complex will manufacture brands like Purina Pro Plan, Purina ONE, and Dog Chow for roughly 8 million pets every year.
The site currently supports over 430 employees, with plans to increase staffing to 500 as operations ramp up. Advanced automation, robotic systems, and digital production tools integrate with a dedicated Manufacturing Experience Center that will host tours for students, industry professionals, and community leaders to demonstrate contemporary manufacturing techniques.
This marks Purina’s 24th U.S. facility and reinforces its footprint in Ohio, complementing an existing plant in Zanesville that has operated since 1973. The decision followed an assessment of the region’s skilled labor pool and its proximity to the Cincinnati food production cluster. The company continues recruiting engineers, operators, and technical roles as output scales.
“Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Purina in Ohio,” said Nina Leigh Krueger, president and CEO of Purina. “The Batavia factory reflects our long-term commitment to American manufacturing, innovation and the communities where we operate. By investing in state-of-the-art infrastructure and partnering with a skilled workforce and supportive community, we have built a facility that will help us serve pets and their owners for generations to come.”
The Manufacturing Experience Center will demonstrate the plant’s automated processes and digital integration. Mike Ferritto, the facility’s manager, emphasized the balance between cutting-edge technology and workforce expertise, stating the team prioritizes quality output while contributing to Clermont County’s economic development.
Purina has also committed funding through the Purina Foundation to support regional programs, including grants for public safety, animal care, and workforce training. At the grand opening, two $30,000 awards were announced: one for shelter dog housing improvements and another for a program distributing pet supplies and veterinary services to low-income households.
Automated storage solutions and robotics reduce manual labor requirements, allowing the workforce to focus on quality control and innovation.
