Inside the Nestlé Purina Support Center: Driving Innovation and Excellence in Manufacturing

Located just 11 miles away from our St. Louis headquarters, the Nestlé Purina Support Center provides custom, business-critical support to our markets across the globe. Through the fabrication, manufacturing, and assembly of Nestlé Purina PetCare (NPPC) proprietary and trade-secret equipment, the Support Center helps push us to the front of the pack as a leader in the CPG industry.

We keep business in-house to deliver incomparable cost savings and give us a competitive advantage. The Support Center’s use of cutting-edge technology and digital solutions allows us to continue to increase efficiency and capabilities within the market while growing our expertise in our processes.

Meet Tom, Factory Manager at the Support Center, who oversees day-to-day operations and connects them to larger organizational initiatives. With a passion for enriching the lives of pets and people around the world, Tom brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his role. Learn more about the Support Center’s functions from Tom:

What function does the Support Center have at Purina?

We differentiate ourselves from competitors by manufacturing proprietary equipment and spare parts, providing crucial support to the business. Our scope extends globally, supporting Purina operations worldwide, including Nestlé USA.

How does the Support Center contribute to the overall quality and success of our products and processes?

We partner closely with Nestlé Purina Engineering, the Nestlé Purina Technical Competency Unit, and our factories to deliver equipment solutions that prioritize safety, hygiene, and cost-effectiveness.

What are day-to-day operations like on-site?

Our team of designers, machinists, welders, and fabricators work diligently on-site every day, ensuring the construction of our equipment to the utmost quality standards. Throughout each step of the building process, we conduct rigorous quality checks before, during, and after to maintain excellence. With a team of nearly 90 associates, we operate two 10-hour shifts per day, providing round-the-clock support. Our Field Service team of experts is readily available for equipment installation and troubleshooting, guaranteeing on-site assistance for our factories.

How does the Support Center fit into our nationwide/global manufacturing processes?

In 2023, we provided equipment valued at around $40 million to support our factories' capital plans and portfolios. This commitment to delivering exceptional equipment sets us on the path to becoming the preferred manufacturer, recognized for our competitive pricing, uncompromising quality, and stringent equipment standards.

Why Do You Love Purina?

I feel that I have a true sense of purpose in enriching the lives of pets and people worldwide. At Nestlé Purina, we do some pretty cool things that set us apart from our competitors. Witnessing the innovation and passion of our team members is truly exciting.

Safety is Our Core Value 

Safety is a cornerstone of the Support Center's operations, with the well-being of their team members and the protection of their products as the number one priority. Every interaction at the Support Center begins and ends with safety in mind, fostering a culture of care and responsibility.

How is safety valued at the Support Center?

Our people's safety and well-being, and the protection of our product, are our utmost priorities. Safety is ingrained in every interaction we have with our team, from the beginning to the end. It serves as the foundation of our commitment to creating a secure and nurturing environment."

Pride in Excellence

Continuous improvement is a driving force at the Support Center, with daily operational review meetings dedicated to analyzing time and cost-saving opportunities. The team's commitment to strengthening their technical abilities is evident through cross-training initiatives and empowering associates to take ownership of their workstations.

How is continuous improvement prioritized at the Support Center?

Our team consistently identifies opportunities for time and cost savings through our daily operational review meetings. We are dedicated to enhancing our team's technical expertise by providing cross-training opportunities and empowering them to take ownership of their workstations.

The Nestlé Purina Support Center stands as a testament to our commitment to excellence, innovation, and the well-being of pets and people. Through their manufacturing expertise, dedication to safety, and continuous improvement initiatives, the Support Center plays a pivotal role in driving the success of Nestlé Purina's global operations. With passionate leaders like Tom at the helm, Nestlé Purina continues to make positive industry impact, enriching lives and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

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