Clinic center: Boehringer Ingelheim opens new US animal health headquarters in Georgia, Purina unveils $550 million pet food manufacturing facility in Ohio, and more

Boehringer Ingelheim has a new US animal health headquarters in Johns Creek, Georgia. Meanwhile, in Batavia, Ohio, Nestlé Purina has opened a new $550 million pet food manufacturing facility, its first built from the ground up in more than 50 years. And in Cohasset, Massachusetts, 143 Veterinary Services has been named Best Veterinarian of the South Shore for the third consecutive year by the Best of South Shore Awards.

Boehringer Ingelheim opens new US animal health headquarters in Johns Creek, Georgia

This summer, Boehringer Ingelheim (BI) celebrated the grand opening of its new US animal health headquarters in Johns Creek, Georgia. The company said Johns Creek was selected for its access to talent in a growing life sciences corridor and its proximity to other BI sites in Georgia. The new headquarters joins the company's existing Georgia operations, which include research, development, and manufacturing in Athens and manufacturing in Gainesville.

"This headquarters was designed to bring our people together, inspire collaboration, and strengthen our ability to develop solutions that improve the lives of companion animals, livestock, and the people who care for them," Peter Ploeger, US animal health country managing director at Boehringer Ingelheim, said in a company news release.¹

As part of the grand opening, the company donated NexGard Plus parasite protection to the Johns Creek Police Department's K-9 unit. “We are proud to welcome a company committed to the well-being of animals," Johns Creek Mayor John Bradberry said.¹ "Boehringer Ingelheim's support of the Johns Creek Police Department's K-9 Unit is greatly appreciated."

Purina opens new $550 million pet food manufacturing facility in Batavia, Ohio

In another development late this summer, Nestlé Purina opened a new pet food manufacturing facility in Batavia, Ohio, representing an investment of more than $550 million, and the company's first factory built from the ground up since 1975. The 1.3-million-sq-ft facility, located approximately 30 miles east of Cincinnati, is Purina's 24th US factory and is described as the largest investment Nestlé has made in a Purina manufacturing facility to date. The facility currently employs more than 430 associates, with plans to grow to more than 500 when fully operational, the company said.²

The Batavia facility incorporates robotics, automation, digital manufacturing tools, and an Automated Storage and Retrieval System, and is designed to feed approximately 8 million pets annually. It also includes a Manufacturing Experience Center for visitors, students, and community leaders. "What makes Batavia special is the combination of cutting-edge technology and an exceptional team," said Mike Ferritto, Batavia factory manager, in a company announcement.²

During the grand opening, Purina announced 2 $30,000 grants through the Purina Foundation: one to the League for Animal Welfare to support shelter dog housing, and one to Impacting Tomorrow's Companion Care Project, which provides pet supplies and veterinary assistance to local families facing financial hardship.

143 Veterinary Services earns Best Veterinarian of the South Shore for third consecutive year in Cohasset, Massachusetts

143 Veterinary Services in Cohasset, Massachusetts, has been named Best Veterinarian of the South Shore for the third consecutive year through the annual Best of the South Shore Awards, presented by South Shore Home, Life & Style magazine. More than 400,000 votes were cast by local clients and residents this year. The independently and woman-owned practice was founded in March 2023 by Diana Watkins, DVM, a 2010 graduate of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University with nearly 20 years of veterinary experience.

"The unwavering support from the South Shore community is something we are incredibly appreciative of," Watkins said in a news release.³ "To be recognized three straight years as Best Veterinarian speaks not only to the hard work of our staff, but to the community's trust and response to our approach which makes this so special." The clinic, located at 790 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, takes its name from the 1-4-3 light signal pattern of the nearby Minot Ledge Lighthouse, which historically signaled "I Love You."

The practice is involved in the surrounding community through sponsorships of local school and youth sports programs, partnerships with animal shelters including donated services, participation in rabies vaccine clinics, and "veterinarian for a day" opportunities for local students.

References

1. Boehringer Ingelheim celebrates grand opening of new US animal health headquarters in Johns Creek, Georgia. News release. Boehringer Ingelheim. August 31, 2026. Accessed September 23, 2026. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/boehringer-ingelheim-celebrates-grand-opening-of-new-us-animal-health-headquarters-in-johns-creek-georgia-302865243.html
2. Purina opens new pet food factory in Ohio. News release. Nestlé Purina. August 31, 2026. Accessed September 23, 2026. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/purina-opens-new-pet-food-factory-in-ohio-its-first-built-from-the-ground-up-in-more-than-50-years-302865290.html
3. 143 Veterinary Services earns Best Veterinarian of the South Shore honor for third straight year. News release. 143 Veterinary Services. August 21, 2026.