Nestle Purina PetCare Co., a global manufacturer of pet products, plans to invest approximately $70 million on expanding its Dunkirk, N.Y., manufacturing facility and training employees. The project is expected to create 39 new jobs and retain 281 existing jobs and create 60 new contract jobs and retain 101 contract workers.

Nestle Purina PetCare, with headquarters in St. Louis, Mo., is part of Swiss-based Nestlé S.A., the world’s largest food company. Purina’s Dunkirk facility produces a variety of dry pet foods.

"The expansion is great news for our Dunkirk plant and Chautauqua County, as well as the state of New York," said Dunkirk Plant Manager Ron Bowers. "In addition to the fact that we have an excellent workforce in place, grant opportunities and incentives are important factors in selecting locations for investments of this size."

In consideration of its commitment to New York State, Nestle Purina PetCare is eligible to apply to Empire State Development for a Capital Grant of up to $1,700,000 to assist in the purchase of new machinery and equipment.

The company will also apply for a $750,000 Governor’s Office for Small Cities (GOSC) grant through the Town of Dunkirk in Chautauqua County to assist in infrastructure upgrades. The company is also eligible for Empire Zone benefits.