VEVEY, SWITZERLAND — Nestlé Purina PetCare announced May 15 plans to invest 200 million CHF (roughly $221 million USD) to facilitate an expansion of its pet food production facility in Silao, Mexico. The expansion will add a third line for manufacturing wet diets and a fourth for manufacturing dry diets. According to Nestlé, these additions will make the Silao plant “the largest for pet food in Latin America.”

Mexico represents the fourth-largest global market for Purina, with pet food sales in the country representing 45% of Purina’s total Latin American sales, according to Nestlé. The company has invested more than 700 million CHF ($773.6 million USD) in the Silao facility over the last decade.

“Mexico plays a fundamental role in our operations in Latin America, serving as a key market and strategic hub for Nestlé,” said Laurent Freixe, chief executive officer of Zone Latin America for Nestlé. “We are committed to investing in the country, supporting local communities, and offering high-quality products that meet the changing needs of Mexican consumers. Mexico is at the heart of our growth strategy in the region, and we take pride in contributing to its development and success.”

Nestlé purchased a 48-hectare piece of land adjacent to its existing property in Silao. This new space will provide room for current and future expansions, which include plans for a distribution center that will serve both the local Latin American market and the company’s export markets.

Purina currently manufactures 125 dry and 45 wet pet food varieties at the Silao plant, which employs nearly 600 people. Following the expansion, Nestlé expects to add up to 94 new jobs at the site.

The Silao plant has been using 100% renewable energy since 2022, and employs circular water use practices, Nestlé shared.

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