(statement from the IEDA on the Nestle Purina and Timkin expansions-follows Nestle Purina information in Clinton):
Today, the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board approved awards for two legacy companies in Clinton, which will assist in the creation of 157 jobs and result in nearly $142 million in new capital investment for the state. The board also approved awards for entrepreneurial assistance and strategic infrastructure.
Manufacturer expands production in Clinton
Nestlè Purina PetCare (NCCP) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nestlè SA. The company, founded in 1894, produces dog and cat food, treats and litter. Clinton has operated a Purina pet food factory since 1969. Nestlè plans to increase its existing footprint in Clinton with the expansion of its finished product warehouse. This expansion will allow for increased production and installation of new manufacturing equipment. The board awarded the project tax benefits through the High Quality Jobs program (HQJ). The project is expected to generate $140 million in new capital investment for the state and create 73 jobs, all of which are incented at a qualifying wage of $16.63 per hour.
In an earlier announcement the DOT approved some funds for improving access to the new development-the official statement on the award
Up to $625,000 from the city share of the RISE Fund was approved for an Immediate Opportunity grant to assist in the reconstruction of approximately 1,882 feet of Harts Mill Road located on the southwest side of town. This project is necessary to provide improved access to the proposed site of the Nestle Purina PetCare Company, a producer of a variety of pet food options, to support a commitment of creating 53 new full-time jobs out of 63 related to this business expansion that includes $140,156,250 in associated capital investment. This project is anticipated to be completed by December 2020.
read official Nestle Purina announcement
Today Nestlé Purina announced the expansion of its Clinton, Iowa, factory. The expansion represents a $140 million investment that will allow Purina to meet a growing demand from pet owners for nutritious, science-based dog and cat foods using high-quality and trusted ingredients.
Purina, which employs 360 people in Clinton, established local operations in 1969. The expansion will add new processing and packaging lines for the production of “dry,” or kibble-based, pet foods and lead to total job growth of more than 60 positions. Purina has had a presence in Iowa since 1927 and also operates pet food factories in Fort Dodge and Davenport, with approximately 1,000 employees across the state.
“This announcement represents a significant expansion in jobs and infrastructure for rural Iowa,” said Governor Kim Reynolds. “Opportunity lives here, and we are working every day to make Iowa a beacon of economic prosperity. I want to congratulate Purina for 90 years of continued growth and success here in the Hawkeye state.”
Purina is the largest dry dog and cat food maker in the United States. Purina’s dry dog food business has grown seven percent in the past year, which is twice the rate of the category overall. With a total investment of $140 million in this expansion by 2023, Purina’s Clinton factory will significantly increase the production of high quality and nutritious brands that feed millions of pets each year. Purina’s Clinton factory plays a unique role in the company’s network of 21 factories across the United States. The location is a hub for innovation and design of new products, in addition to producing flagship brands including Purina ONE and Purina Pro Plan, both of which are experiencing double digit growth.
“Pet owners have trusted Purina for over 90 years, and demand for Purina products is strong and continues to grow,” said John Bear, Vice President of Manufacturing, Purina. “Purina is proud to produce high quality products for dogs and cats at our Clinton factory. This expansion reflects an investment in our local operations and our commitment to continue delivering innovative and highly nutritious pet foods.”
Purina’s expansion in Clinton is one example of how the company is making investments to grow the business and advance pet care. In 2019, Purina invested more than $500 million into its factories across the United States for projects that help grow and sustain the business, including more than $30 million in Iowa operations alone.
“For more than 50 years, Purina’s Clinton factory has provided quality jobs for the region,” said Roger Brecht, Purina Clinton Factory Manager. “It’s an exciting time at Purina, and we’re proud to continue making the great foods that pets love while bringing even more quality jobs to the region.”
In addition to being a top employer in Clinton, the factory supports several area pet rescue and police K9 organizations, as well as other local organizations like Junior Achievement. Purina contributed more than $250,000 in pet food and monetary funding to non-profit organizations in 2019.
One of the factory’s recent contributions is a $10,000 donation to support the Clinton Humane Society. Purina also is an active supporter of environmental conservation throughout the state of Iowa with partners including Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever and Truterra, LLC (formerly Land O’Lakes SUSTAIN). Purina also applauds Gov. Reynolds’ commitment to enhancing water and soil health and outdoor recreation opportunities for all Iowans through her “Invest in Iowa” plan, which includes funding the I-WILL Trust.
“When a company can expand and add jobs here in Clinton, it truly is a good day,” said Scott Maddasion, Clinton Mayor. “As a community, we are focused on skills-building and development to ensure that we’re matching people with jobs for the future. Purina’s expansion brings not only investment but good direct and indirect jobs for local residents. We are extremely excited for this expansion and Purina’s commitment to remaining a cornerstone business in Clinton. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership.”
“We are thrilled that Purina has chosen to expand its existing operations in Clinton,” added Erin M. Cole, President & CEO, Clinton Regional Development Corporation. “With a young, dynamic team, high-quality products and booming sales, they epitomize success in our community. We are privileged to have a strong working relationship with their local management team, and we stand ready to assist them as they move forward with this vital project.”
Future job openings at the factory primarily include positions in production and maintenance. Job seekers can sign up to be among the first to hear about new opportunities in Clinton: https://purinajobs.com/joinclinton.
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Timken Drives, LLC to relocate to Clinton
Timken Drives, LLC, a subsidiary of the Timken Company, is a leading manufacturer of power transmission roller chains, large pitch leaf chains and engineered class chains for the industrial marketplace. In addition, Timken Drives manufactures agricultural conveyor chains and auger assemblies for the off-highway mobile industrial market. To accommodate additional chain manufacturing at its Fulton, IL, location, the company plans to relocate its auger manufacturing operations to Clinton and make significant improvements to an existing facility. The board awarded the company direct financial assistance via HQJ. The project, expected to generate $1.4 million in new capital investment, will create up to 84 jobs, 66 of which are incented at a qualifying hourly wage of $16.63.
