NEW CONSTRUCTION RAMPING UP By Nicole Kerwin | nkerwin@sosland.com Demand for pet foods, treats, toppers and supplements continues to rise. To keep up with this demand, manufacturers from all corners of globe are investing in their capabilities and expanding capacity. From new greenfield facilities complete with high-technological advancements to significant expansions onto existing facilities, processors are determined to ensure their operations can meet the demands of the future. Read on for a brief snapshot of some of the most notable operational expansions by pet food processors so far this year. Nestlé Purina PetCare Location: Clermont, Ohio Investment: $550 million Announced: October 2020 Nestlé Purina PetCare is continuing construction on its new manufacturing facility in Clermont, Ohio, which represents Purina's first facility to be constructed from the ground up since 1975. The 1.3 million-square-foot facility will produce dry formulas for the Pro Plan ONE and Dog Chow brands. It will include an automated warehousing system, digital and automation production technologies and a Manufacturing Experience Center to educate visitors on Purina's processes. Lyka Location: Dandenong South, Victoria Investment: $16 million Project completion: January 2024 Australian fresh dog food producer Lyka plans to establish a flagship manufacturing facility and distribution center. The new facility will house new production lines complete with automated equipment and a distribution center to increase the company's capacity fourfold. These operational improvements are expected to advance efficiency and support the company's goal of providing diets that retain key nutrients through processing. Nestlé Purina PetCare New facility announcements and expansions aim to keep up with consumer demand. www.petfoodprocessing.net | September 2024 | PET FOOD PROCESSING 19 All images have been supplied by the company unless otherwise stated.http://www.petfoodprocessing.net