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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Blue Buffalo Expands Richmond, Indiana, Production Complex

03/24/2023
Blue Buffalo, the nation’s leading natural pet food company, plans to expand operations in Richmond, Indiana. The $200 million project is expected to create up to 60 jobs in Wayne County by the end of 2024.

The company will construct and equip a 169,000-square-foot addition to expand its processing operations and warehouse capacity, adding another extruder line, three new packaging lines and an associated mix and transfer system, increasing its production of high-quality, natural dog and cat food, servicing customers across the U.S. and Canada. Completion is scheduled for the end of 2024.

“The expansion of Blue Buffalo here in Richmond is indicative of our continued growth and leadership in the industry and will set us up to serve pets and pet parents for years to come,” said Terry Abner, plant manager at the Blue Buffalo Richmond plant. “Today marks the culmination of strong collaboration across local, state and agency partners and we’re eager to see this to fruition in the fall of 2024 when the lines will go online, and we’ll have 50-60 new team members to welcome into our plant community.”

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) committed an investment in Heartland Pet Food Manufacturing Indiana (dba Blue Buffalo) of up to $600,000 in the form of incentive-based tax credits. The IEDC also committed an investment of up to $100,000 in Hoosier Business Investment tax credits and up to $200,000 in Manufacturing Readiness Grants, which are designed to help companies invest in smart manufacturing and new technologies.

These tax credits are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim incentives once Hoosiers are hired. Wayne County will consider additional incentives to support the project.

“General Mills and Blue Buffalo are helping drive Richmond’s economy forward, investing in the East Central region and providing quality career opportunities for Hoosiers,” noted Secretary Brad Chambers. “The company is making a change economically while being a good corporate citizen, making changes and fulfilling global responsibility commitments to better our planet, people, community and food.”

Founded in 2003 in Wilton, Connecticut, Blue Buffalo is the leader in premium quality, all-natural pet nutrition. The company sells its products through the leading national pet specialty chains, PetSmart, Petco, Pet Supplies Plus and over 10,000 neighborhood stores nationwide.

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