Purina marks 50 years of pet food production in Dunkirk
Purina has facilitated several upgrades to its Dunkirk facility over the past 50 years, including the latest $19 million expansion to increase production capacity for the company’s Fancy Feast Savory Cravings cat treats. The company also installed advanced LED lighting in 2020, with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 1,100 tons.
The company marked this milestone with the leadership of local community leaders and partners and Purina’s North American headquarters. They came together to celebrate not only the history of pet food manufacturing, but the people behind the product, including current employees, retired employees, and their families.
Purina Chief Technology Officer Nolan Terry said: “Our manufacturing people play a key role in keeping pets and people together, so this celebration is primarily about our current team and those who have retired and moved in, and the countless sacrifices we made together. We are focused on recognizing both the families that have paid and helped us so that we can provide quality, reliable products to the pets and pet owners who trust us.”
The celebration was led by Anthony de la Ou, factory manager at the Dunkirk facility, and was joined by former Chief Technology Officer John Baer. John Bear recently succeeded Nolan Terry after his retirement. Also in attendance was Jason Kristoffersen, Purina’s Vice President of Manufacturing. .
Dunkirk Mayor Wilfred Rosas was also present, as was New York State Assemblyman Andy Goodell. The town supervisor of Dunkirk, Richard Prowl. State Senator George Bolero. Adam Dolce, executive director of United Way in North Chautauqua County;
“It is truly an honor to stand alongside so many local community leaders and to honor Purina and her team members for accomplishing 50 years of business in our great city.” He’s one of the leaders in our area, making western New York a great place to work and live every day.”
Local animal protection groups and community organizations also participated. The Chautauqua County Humane Society and the Lakeshore Humane Society are two of her partners at many shelters across the United States that benefit from Purina’s donations and funding. The Cuyahoga Group, the Boys and Girls Club of Northern Chautauqua County, Rural Ministries, and the K9 Unit of the Chautauqua County Police Department were also featured at the ceremony.
Purina also shared that it re-dedicated the city road leading to the Dunkirk facility during the event and named it after Greg Bundy, a longtime warehousing and logistics leader at Dunkirk who passed away in early 2021. A competition in which employees from 14 locations across the United States gather to participate in a “skills competition centered on warehouses.” The inaugural contest was held earlier this year and Purina will continue as an annual tradition.
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