Nestlé Health Science invests US$43m in boosting capacity at Wisconsin factory
USA – Nestlé Health Science has invested US$43 million in its Eau Claire, Wisconsin factory, to increase capacity to meet the growing demand for its Boost and Carnation Breakfast Essentials ready-to-drink products.
This is the second major expansion investment Nestle has made in the Wisconsin facility in recent years. In 2020, the company spent US$50 million to boost its production capacity and eliminate straws from its packaging to meet its sustainability goals.
The Eau Claire manufacturing facility produces a range of medical nutrition products, such as tube feeding formulas and health drinks for brands such as BOOST and Carnation Breakfast Essentials.
According to the company, the investment in two additional lines will bring around 60 jobs–from processing and packaging to mechanics and engineering–to the local community.
Gaëtan Sion, vice-president of manufacturing at Nestlé Health Science US said, “With this investment, Nestlé Health Science will expand and enhance our manufacturing facilities to better meet the needs of patients and consumers.”
“Also, as a member of the Eau Claire community since 1987, we’re proud to help strengthen the local economy by generating more job opportunities that offer competitive pay and benefits.”
The new production lines will manufacture ready-to-drink nutrition products in Tetra Pak cartons made with responsibly sourced material, bolstering the Swiss multinational conglomerate’s sustainability drive.
The company first launched sustainable packaging for Carnation Breakfast Essentials in early 2022, when it also decreased the added sugar content in the beverage by 25%. Nestlé previously set a goal to make 100% of its packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025.
The facility is also investing in water optimization to ensure that more than 90% of total factory water usage is fully recovered by the end of 2023. The plant aims to source 100% of its electricity from renewable resources.
In 2022, the facility was recognized by the US Department of Energy Better Plants initiative for reaching its energy reduction goals more than two years ahead of schedule.
Earlier last year, Nestlé Health Science reached an agreement to acquire the Brazilian nutrition and health lifestyle brand, Puravida, for an undisclosed sum.
Nestlé Health Science said that it shares the belief with Puravida that nutritional supplements, vitamins, and minerals play a key role in supporting health and wellness – whether for people with an active lifestyle or those facing health challenges.
Puravida’s mix of products is said to complement Nestlé Health Science’s offering, which includes oral nutritional supplements, protein powders, and ready-to-drink nutritional beverages. The acquisition enabled Nestlé to expand its consumer health portfolio in Brazil.
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