CLINTON, IOWA — On Oct. 5, Purina announced the completion of a $156 million expansion to its existing facility in Clinton. The expansion will support Purina’s pet food brands, expanding its overall capacity and production capabilities.

The Clinton facility produces some of Purina’s most popular pet food and treat lines, including Purina ONE, Purina Pro Plan and Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets, and serves as a product innovation center. The expansion includes new cooking and packaging lines, as well as a technical training center, and created 96 new jobs, increasing the facility’s personnel count to 570.

According to Purina, the expansion is the result of growing consumer demand for more science-based dog and cat formulas.

“The pet care industry is dynamic and thriving, and Purina’s role as the category leader is one that we take seriously,” said Andrea Faccio, chief growth officer at Purina. “The ongoing investment in our business, including this expansion in Clinton, sets us up for continued growth in the future and helps us meet increasing demand from pet owners who have placed their trust in Purina to deliver nutritious and high-quality dog and cat foods.”

As well as production areas, the facility also includes a 3,800-square-foot training center for its employees. The center features digital tools and technology to enhance employee collaboration and product innovation. The Technical Training Center will serve as a hub for onboarding and incorporating structured and self-driven employee training complete with production equipment replicas.

“Purina is proud to invest in our brands, our employees and the community here in Clinton," said Justin Wilkinson, factory manager at Purina. “The Clinton factory plays a unique role at Purina with the production of more than 190 formulas, many of which are exclusively made in Clinton. We value our team here and their future, and we are grateful that the Clinton community has supported our growth here for more than 50 years.”

"The city of Clinton would like to congratulate Nestlé Purina on the completion of their most recent expansion,” said Clinton Mayor Scott Maddasion. “Nestlé Purina is an integral part of our community as an employer and as a community partner. We truly appreciate Nestlé Purina’s continued investment in our community and the addition of high-quality jobs that this investment brings. We look forward to the future success for Nestlé Purina and its employees in Clinton and across the globe.”

In addition to its facility in Clinton, Purina employs about 1,370 people throughout Iowa with operations in Fort Dodge and Davenport. As well as boosting its operations in the state, Purina also strives to support local organizations, including Eastern Iowa Community College, Iowa Economic Development and Grow Clinton.

“Nestlé Purina is a valued business partner and completing this most recent expansion underlines their investment in the greater Clinton region,” said Andy Sokolovich, president and chief executive officer of Grow Clinton. “Through a strong company culture focused on excellence, they continue to demonstrate success and growth in their industry. We are proud to have them as part of our community, and I look forward to working with their team for years to come.”