Gov. Nathan Deal announced that Nestlé Purina PetCare Co. will create as many as 240 new jobs and invest $320 million in a manufacturing facility and distribution center in Hartwell.
 
“Our business-friendly climate, highly skilled workforce and unmatched logistics infrastructure continue to attract industry-leading manufacturers like Purina to Georgia,” said Deal. “With this new facility, Purina will build upon Georgia’s strategic resources while yielding economic benefits for the Hart County community. We appreciate Purina’s significant investment and look forward to the company’s success here.”
 
Purina, a global leader in pet care, currently employs more than 8,000 individuals in the U.S. Leading Purina brands include Purina ONE, Dog Chow, Friskies, Tidy Cats and Pro Plan.
 
“The Hartwell site will be an excellent location for Purina’s first new U.S. factory in 20 years,” said John Bear, vice president of manufacturing, Nestlé Purina. “We’re very excited and look forward to closing on the property and bringing more quality jobs to the state of Georgia, as well as expanding Purina capacity and distribution in the Southeast.”
 
Purina plans to create as many as 240 jobs over the next five years at the new location. The company will invest $320 million at the site by the end of 2023 and expects to close on the property later this year, contingent on completion of due diligence and satisfaction of closing conditions. Distribution center operations are expected to begin in 2018, with production to follow in 2019.
 
“The Hart County Board of Commissioners is pleased that Nestlé Purina PetCare has chosen our community to expand their manufacturing operations,” said Joey Dorsey, chairman of the Hart County Board of Commissioners. “We see the company’s decision in selecting Hart County as reinforcement of our long-term vision and actions in supporting industry, agriculture, tourism, and the community’s continuing emphasis on workforce development.”
 
Georgia Department of Economic Development Senior Project Manager Joshua Stephens represented the Global Commerce division throughout the project in collaboration with the Hart County Industrial Development Authority and Georgia Power.
 
"The entire Hart County community has been steadfast in developing their local workforce and working to find an employer whose needs fit the Hart Springs facility,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “All those efforts have come to fruition today with this announcement. We are proud of the entire Northeast Georgia region for its continued success and look forward to Nestlé Purina providing good jobs for Hartwell and Hart County for years to come."
 
“Purina is recognized worldwide for trust and its commitment to consumers and their pets, the communities in which they operate, and for providing outstanding career opportunities for their employees,” said Bill Leard, chairman of the Hart County Industrial Building Authority. “The Hart County Industrial Building Authority is excited to have Purina join our vibrant, rapidly growing business community.”