Page 42 - Food&Drink Magazine May 2022

PLANT DESIGN & FITOUT
Purina plant purrs into action
Nestlé has unveiled the $90m expansion of Purina PetCare’s production facility in central west New South Wales. Kim Berry writes.
NESTLÉ established its Blayney factory in 1989. Over the last 10 years the company has invested more than
$200 million in the site to accommodate new lines and increased production.
The brands Felix, Fancy Feast, Pro Plan, Supercoat and Purina One are all manufactured at the plant.
In 2014, Nestlé added the wet cat food facility to develop the premium products pet owners (and their pets) were looking for.
Nestlé Blayney factory manager Charlene De Wit said the upgrade meant it could significantly expand its pet food production.
“Our expanded facilities will allow us to scale up production of single serve wet cat food by over 120 per cent, as well as the dry cat and dog food we already produce.
“We have an incredibly dedicated and highly skilled team here at Blayney. By bringing leading technology to
our factory and
continuing to use high
quality ingredients in
our product, we are even
more confident that we
will continue to enrich
the lives of pets and the
people who love them for years to come,” De Wit said.
The expansion positions Nestlé Purina as a key regional supplier, with both wet and dry pet food exported from Blayney to New Zealand, Thailand and Japan.
Pet care is a lucrative market for Nestlé, accounting for almost 18 per cent of its global turnover. Sales for the company’s pet care business were almost $6 billion (4.12 Swiss Francs) for the first three months of 2022, up 13.5 per cent on the same period in 2021.
In 1Q FY22, sales from Purina PetCare brands led overall organic growth for the whole company.
It was also the category leader for growth and
“ Pet care is a lucrative market for Nestlé, accounting for almost 18 per cent of its global sales. Sales were almost $6 billion for the first three months of 2022.”
recording double digit growth in North America, Latin America, and Europe in the three-month period.
De Wit said there has also been a focus on sourcing local ingredients, with more than 85 per cent of raw materials, including meats and grains, being locally sources.
“We are proud to produce quality Purina pet food for our much-loved furry friends across Australia and around the region, right here in Blayney,” De Wit said.
The site employs more than 300 people and supports more than 60 local businesses and contractors. ✷
42 | Food&Drink business | May 2022 | www.foodanddrinkbusiness.com.au
Nestlé’s latest investment in its Purina plant in Blayney, New South Wales represents a commitment to the region and the importance of its pet care business.