Maddie Grace A 1.3 million-sf brewery is set to be converted into a pet food manufacturing facility in the Old North State. Nestle Purina PetCare announced an estimated $450-million investment into its new Eden, N.C., factory, which marks the company’s first manufacturing operation in the state. The facility is expected to create 300 jobs, including production operators, technical staff, and engineers, by 2024. “We are passionate about supporting the communities where we live and work, and we look forward to bringing that passion to Rockingham County,” says Purina’s vice president of manufacturing, Nolan Terry. “The property is in good working condition and we have an incredible opportunity to transform this into a world-class pet food facility. We also see great potential to work with a highly skilled workforce in the region and provide a chance to start a new chapter of their career at Purina. Great people and a great location is a win-win.” This expansion is part of a broader growth plan the company says began last year with the opening of a new wet pet food factory and distribution center in Hartwell, Ga.
