Purina Celebrates Completion of $182 Million Factory Expansion in King William, Virginia
Investment expands cat litter production capacity, adds jobs and introduces technical training center for employees
KING WILLIAM, Va. (July 7, 2023) – Purina leaders and community representatives recently gathered in King William, Virginia to celebrate the completion of a $182 million expansion at the company’s local cat litter production facility. The project adds 138,000 square feet of factory space and created 20 new jobs.
Expanding the Virginia litter facility allows Purina to increase capacity for innovative new Purina litter products, including Tidy Cats LightWeight formulas like Free & Clean Unscented, and meet increasing consumer demand in North America for its portfolio of cat litter solutions. The enhanced facility is also introducing a new technical training center to offer ongoing education for King William’s growing workforce.
"Expanding our operations in King William allows us to keep up with growing consumer demand and capitalize on the growth of our litter business,” said Brent Gleckler, Vice President and General Manager of Golden Products, the litter division of Purina. "The project demonstrates our dedication to continuously enhancing our business and positively impacting the communities we call home.”
The new Technical Training Center inside King William’s lightweight expansion footprint will be the hub for employee onboarding. It will incorporate both structured and self-guided training with digital tools and replicas of production equipment for employees to practice on, ensuring the success of new operators and technicians as they begin their Purina careers.
“We are truly committed to investing in our facilities, our employees, and the King William community,” said Mackenzie Browning, Purina factory manager at King William. "Our team worked tirelessly and safely to complete the expansion project, and I am extremely proud of their efforts. We value the support of the King William community and look forward to ongoing collaborations."
Purina is the largest employer in King William County and is committed to being a good community partner and neighbor. The factory supports and donates to multiple organizations in King William, including the Regional Animal Shelter, Henrico Humane Society, King William Fire and Emergency Services and the King William Sheriff's department.
About Nestlé Purina PetCare
Nestlé Purina PetCare creates richer lives for pets and the people who love them. Founded in 1894, Purina has helped dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives by offering scientifically based nutritional innovations. Purina manufactures some of the world's most trusted and popular pet care products, including Dog Chow, Purina ONE, Pro Plan, Fancy Feast and Tidy Cats. Our more than 10,000 U.S. associates take pride in our trusted pet food, treat and litter brands that feed 46 million dogs and 68 million cats every year. More than 500 Purina scientists, veterinarians, and pet care experts ensure our commitment to unsurpassed quality and nutrition.
Purina promotes responsible pet care through our scientific research, our products and our support for pet-related organizations. Over the past five years, Purina has contributed more than $150 million towards organizations that bring, and keep, people and pets together, as well as those that help our communities and environment thrive. Purina is part of Nestlé, a global leader in Nutrition, Health and Wellness. For more information, visit purina.com or subscribe here to get the latest Purina news.