Nestle's Purina pet-food factory in Marton is earmarked for a $7 million upgrade that will roll out over the next two years.
The Edwards St plant makes TUX dog-food product and a company spokesman said the investment will lead to a new line of biscuits and treats and cover an upgrade of the facilities.
More importantly it will see the factory producing for export markets as well as the New Zealand market because the upgrade means output will be boosted by 20 per cent.
It will also see the factory become more energy efficient and lead to an upgrade on food-safety analysis and the testing laboratory.
The makeover is especially good news for local suppliers because Nestle said it would support development of local ingredients.