RICHMOND, Ind. — Blue Buffalo Co., a pet food manufacturer owned by General Mills, on June 18 cut the ribbon at its new Richmond manufacturing plant, which will produce BLUE Life Protection Formula, Wilderness, Basics and Freedom brands of dry dog and cat food.

The 400,000-sq.-ft. facility was opened after the company invested $200 million toward its construction, which began in 2016. It will create 165 full-time jobs in processing, quality assurance, maintenance and management positions.

"Job creators around the world continue to choose to grow their operations in Indiana because of our low costs and highly-skilled Hoosier workforce," commented Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb. "Companies like General Mills and Blue Buffalo are taking notice, and we're thrilled for them to make their premium pet food in the strongest manufacturing state in the country. Blue Buffalo's Indiana growth will provide quality career opportunities to Hoosiers, and we look forward to their many years of success in our state."

According to Blue Buffalo, the new Richmond plant leverages human food safety standards. It will be able to produce more than one million lbs. of pet food daily.

"With this expanded manufacturing capability, General Mills and Blue Buffalo can better meet the growing demand for pet food made with natural ingredients," added Jeff Harmening, chairman and CEO of General Mills. "This new plant is another example of General Mills accelerating the growth of our natural and organic brands. As an Indiana native, I'm also proud that Blue Buffalo is creating jobs and fueling the local economy in Richmond and surrounding areas."  

This is Blue Buffalo’s second company-owned facility, along with its factory in Joplin, Missouri. The company is based in Wilton, Connecticut.

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