Nestle Pet-Food Plant Expansion in Jefferson Gets State Aid

By Barry Adams, The Wisconsin State Journal

Apr. 23–One of Jefferson’s major employers is getting bigger.

Nestle Purina PetCare Co. has started a $20 million to $40 million project that will add about 20 jobs to the Jefferson County company that primarily makes cat food. It is located about 35 miles east of Madison.

The project, which includes a 35,000-square-foot warehouse, new equipment and an upgrade to existing production lines, is scheduled for completion by early next year. It includes help from the state in the form of $100,000 in Enterprise Development Zone tax credits and a $30,000 Community Development Block Grant for training.

“We want to invest in projects that will keep our manufacturing base strong,” Gov. Jim Doyle said.

An estimated 107 employees are expected to get training on the new equipment installed at the plant, which has been manufacturing pet food in Jefferson since 1948.

Nestle Purina PetCare, which has its North American headquarters in St. Louis, employs 185 people in Jefferson. The expansion was important to keep the plant viable, said Kirk Lawrence, plant manager.

“We’re pleased that this project will allow us to better service our customers as well as meet the increased demand for products made at our facility,” Lawrence said. “It’s a strong vote of confidence in our manufacturing team here and a credit to the Jefferson plant associates’ commitment to quality.”

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