Production Resumes at Nestlé Purina’s Lehigh Valley Plant Following 12-Week Strike
Operations have resumed at Nestlé Purina’s pet food facility in South Whitehall Township, Pennsylvania, after a 12-week strike came to an end with a new labor agreement. Approximately 260 union employees returned to work following a union vote held Saturday that ratified the contract.
The facility, a key production site for pet food brands including Alpo, Beggin’ Strips, and T-Bonz, had been operating with temporary workers and out-of-state employees during the strike. The strike began in late January when members of Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 1174 protested mandatory overtime, increased healthcare costs, and wage concerns.
The terms of the new three-year deal have not been publicly disclosed. However, the union confirmed it was accepted by a majority vote and includes several concessions following weeks of negotiations. Employees returned to the plant on Sunday with full operations expected to normalize in the coming weeks.
The dispute had brought attention to labor concerns within the pet food segment of the broader FMCG sector, particularly as demand for pet products remains strong. The American Pet Products Association estimated U.S. pet food and treats spending reached $61 billion in 2023, highlighting the critical role facilities like the Lehigh Valley plant play in supply continuity.
While Nestlé Purina remained operational during the strike, the company acknowledged the challenges posed by the work stoppage and expressed appreciation for the return of its experienced workforce. The Lehigh Valley plant is among 20 Purina manufacturing sites across the country and a significant contributor to the company’s capacity to meet ongoing market demand.
This resolution arrives amid a wider industry backdrop where labor contracts are drawing increased scrutiny, especially in manufacturing and logistics roles tied to high-demand FMCG categories. For industry leaders and supply chain managers, the case underscores the importance of proactive labor relations as companies scale to meet evolving consumer demand.