Nestlé invests billions to expand pet food production in Rayong
Nestlé is expanding its pet food production in Rayong. Two supported projects with a combined value of more than 6.4 billion baht are primarily aimed at serving export markets and involving Thai suppliers. A company statement from 9 September details the expansion of the Purina site.
Rayong: Pet food production expands
On 9 September 2026, Nestlé announced an investment of more than 157 million Swiss francs for the expansion of pet food production in Rayong. The focus is on expanding the existing Purina site, where more cat and dog food as well as snacks of the Felix, Friskies, Pro Plan, and Purina One brands are to be produced in the future. The increase in production targets both local and international markets.
The published investment figures refer to the same expansion of the pet nutrition segment and are not to be added to the figures from the Thai Board of Investment. The September announcement does not mention additional annual production volume or the specific start date of the expanded operation. The expansion remains an announced project rather than a completed increase in capacity.
Two projects and Thai suppliers
According to its own announcement, the Thai Board of Investment (BOI) has approved incentives for two Nestlé projects at the Amata City Rayong Industrial Estate: around 4.5 billion baht for pet food production and 1.93 billion baht for snack production. More than 90 percent of the expected output is intended for export, including to the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.
For Thai suppliers, the planned purchases of raw materials amounting to over 450 million baht per year are significant. For pet food, Nestlé expects a share of about 56 percent Thai ingredients, including poultry, sardines, vegetables, oils, vitamins, and minerals. For snacks, 88 percent of the raw materials are to be sourced locally, such as poultry, sugar, and tapioca starch. These figures represent planned purchases and are forecasts, not sales already achieved.
What technical skills are needed at the site
A published job profile for Manufacturing Excellence at Nestlé in Amata City Rayong demonstrates the expertise required in production. The focus is on digital platforms for production and supply chains; for example, systems are mentioned that automatically record production data in real time, connect with SAP, and provide dashboards for teams in production, quality, and engineering. The Manufacturing Execution System (MES) also plays a role, supporting the control and analysis of production processes.
The role requires a relevant engineering degree, at least three years of experience, and communication skills in Thai and English. Training for the workforce and the integration of digital systems into everyday work are expressly part of this position. The listed role provides insight into the skills being sought, but is not evidence for the number of new jobs created by investment.
Quality assurance throughout production
Another published job description outlines the tasks in quality assurance at the Rayong site. These include inspection of incoming raw materials, supplier audits, laboratory work according to good practice, product release, and optimizing hygiene processes. Collaboration with external and government laboratories and internal audits are also part of the role.
Candidates are sought with a degree in food science, chemistry, or microbiology and at least five years of relevant work experience. Proficiency in Thai and English is also required. The job description mentions support for standards such as FSSC 22000, GMP, HACCP, and ISO 9001, but a job ad does not replace current certification proof.
The tasks show how closely raw material purchasing and production are interlinked. Incoming ingredients are checked before processing; supplier audits look at upstream manufacturing. Product release is another control point. For the profession, this means combining lab expertise, documentation, and coordination. Compared to the Manufacturing Excellence role, it is clear: The site is seeking experts for both digital processes and the evaluation of materials and products.
Placing coffee investment in context
Alongside the pet nutrition expansion, Nestlé is also investing in the coffee sector in Thailand: On 9 July 2026, a new Nescafé factory was announced with an investment volume of 563 million Swiss francs. From the end of 2028, the plant is expected to manufacture soluble coffee, coffee blends, and ready-to-drink beverages; over 500 jobs are planned.
These figures refer exclusively to the coffee plant and are separate from the pet food expansion in Rayong. The projects differ both in products and in published planning data. For the coffee facility, a dedicated distribution center, automation, and AI-enabled systems are also planned, with the goals of quality, efficiency, and sustainable production.