MCDONOUGH, Ga. – General Mills Inc. will invest $8.5 million to build a new distribution facility in McDonough. The 480,000-sq.-ft. facility will house the company’s Blue Buffalo brand of pet food products that will be distributed throughout the southeast United States.

“Blue Buffalo is the No. 1 wholesome natural pet food brand in the US, and we are pleased to be expanding with the addition of the facility in McDonough,” said William W. Bishop Jr., president of General Mills’ pet segment. “This facility will enable us to better serve consumers, pet parents and pets in the southeast with the Blue brand of products.”

The project is expected to create more than 50 new jobs.

“We are excited that General Mills and Blue Buffalo has selected Henry County for its new facility,” said David Gill, chairman of the Henry County Development Authority. “They are a great addition to the outstanding food-related production and logistics operations in Henry county. We look forward to working with General Mills and Blue Buffalo to successfully grow in Henry County.”

General Mills acquired Blue Buffalo Pet Products Inc. for approximately $8 billion earlier in 2018. The addition of Blue Buffalo establishes General Mills as a leader in the wholesome natural pet food category, the fastest growing portion of the $30 billion US pet food market and accelerates the company's portfolio reshaping strategy.