Purina, the maker of some of the UK’s pet food brands like Felix, Gourmet and Winalot, is investing more than £150m into its factory on Cromwell Road in Wisbech. The factory produces more than a billion wet pet food meals a year and has started a multi-million-pound upgrade of its site which will continue into 2025.
“The series of developments are designed to modernise the technology and machinery on its production lines, enhance the facilities for colleagues, improve energy efficiency and to help reduce carbon emissions over the coming years,” said a company spokesperson.
“As part of the investment, Purina has expanded the factory team, recruiting 40 skilled operators to focus on optimising and maintaining the new technology being installed.
“Additionally, Purina is investing in upskilling existing staff to further enhance production outputs.”
The factory has more than 600 employees, 85% of which live within a local 20-mile radius.
The investment will modernise site services, helping to reduce the factory’s carbon footprint over the coming years.
It also includes a total refurbishment of employee changing rooms and break out areas and a brand-new car park with newly designed pedestrian walkways as well as clearly marked vehicle segregation areas.
Purina says it is using local businesses and contractors to manage the site upgrades from start to finish.
Jez McInerney, Purina’s Wisbech factory manager, who is overseeing the upgrades, said: “Purina is committed to creating top quality nutrition for the nation’s pets – but it’s certainly not all we do. We work tirelessly to do more of what matters beyond the bowl, for pets, for the people who love them and the planet.
“None of this would be possible without the fantastic work of the project team and everyone who’s based here in Wisbech.
“We’re delighted to have secured this large-scale investment, to ensure our site is best-in-class and fit for the bright future that it has ahead of it.”
He added: “We’re very proud of our base in the town, and with this investment, we look forward to many more decades of making great products that the nation’s pets love, all while being an outstanding employer, supporting a thriving local community and minimising our impact on the environment.”
John Bartholomew, a Purina employee at the Wisbech factory with 24 years’ service said: “I absolutely love being a part of the Purina team. Each day brings a new and exciting opportunity to learn.
“Since joining the factory it’s incredible to see how much our processes and products have evolved – it’s been amazing to witness the progress we’ve made. Purina has been a fantastic place to work, and I’m grateful for the journey.”
FACT FILE
To find out more about Purina and its passion for pets, as well as employment opportunities at the Wisbech factory, visit: https://www.purina.co.uk/.
PURINA® make some of the UK’s most popular and trusted pet food brands.
The company’s ethos is “that when people and pets bond, life becomes richer. It’s a sentiment that has been part of our businesses through time and really brought to life through the PURINA® brand that William H. Danforth created in 1904.
“This belief is now placed at the heart of everything we do and the products we make across the globe.”
