This project, codenamed “Green Acres,” since the facility was erected on existing soybean fields, represents a major investment by Nestlé Purina in Clermont County, Ohio, and is set to boost both the local economy and job market. The 1.2 million square-foot factory, which cost $550 million to build, will create 300 new jobs. Through a close collaboration with Jobs Ohio and local partners, Nestlé Purina has successfully chosen this site for its first new factory since 1975.

The facility will focus on producing popular dry dog and cat food brands like Purina Pro Plan, Purina ONE, and Dog Chow. It will be the most advanced pet food factory in Purina's portfolio, incorporating cutting-edge robotics and digital tools. In addition, the factory will include a dedicated training center to foster employee learning and development. On top of benefiting the local economy, the local school district will receive negotiated payments in lieu of taxes, adding a further community benefit.

Cooper Steel played a vital role in fabricating steel for the 3,500-ton project in Batavia, Ohio. Beams up to 80 feet long had to be galvanized for the project, which required close coordination with multiple galvanizing plants. Furthermore the projected involved an aggressive timeline (291 days/41 weeks), with daily communications to ensure timely deliveries. To meet the schedule, over 150 truckloads of materials were arranged by the galvanizer, and in some cases, up to seven truckloads were delivered on a single day.

This collaboration not only involved the logistics of steel delivery but also strategic planning to ensure large beams that couldn’t be galvanized at the main facility were sent to a secondary location. The combination of innovation and teamwork from Cooper Steel, the galvanizing plants, and the local partners ultimately enabled the project to meet its ambitious deadlines and deliver the results needed for the Nestlé Purina facility.