The Barilla dry pasta plant in Avon will expand and add jobs in a multi-phase, roughly $170 million project.
The dry pasta maker will construct a new 52,000 square-foot main building with a new production line and three packaging lines. An additional warehouse facility will also be built, followed by a second production line in a second phase of construction. The first phase of construction is expected to be completed by March 2028.
All told, Barilla expects to add more than 90 new jobs at the completion of the expansions. Empire State Development will support the project with $2.75 million in Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit Program funding based on the job creation commitment.
Nearly 20 years of Barilla history in Avon
The existing Livingston County plant, which opened in 2007, cost $75 million to build. The grand opening that October included a visit from the Italian company’s owners and two of the four production lines were open at the time. Since then, the company has employed roughly 145 employees, meaning employment at the factory will expand by more than 60% with the planned expansion.
“This expansion marks an important step in our continued growth in the U.S. and underscores our commitment to the Town of Avon. By increasing our capacity, we’re investing not only in our business, but in the future of the community where we’ve proudly operated for years,” said Barilla Americas supply chain vice president Fabio Pettenari in a statement.
Partnerships — state and local, public and private — are part of what helped keep Barilla in the greater Rochester area and able to expand.
“It was a team effort. And we’ve been having discussions for many, many months and making sure Barilla has everything they need. Not just for the announcement but to assure success of the existing facility and then to build with our outstanding contractors and engineers that are in this community on time and on budget,” said Matt Hurlbutt, president and CEO of Greater Rochester Enterprises.
The increased commitment in Avon is significant, Hurlbutt said, with a company headquartered overseas and competing locations, whether existing operations in another state or a new operation entirely. Barilla operates in more than 100 countries and has 30 production sites across 10 countries.
“Food and beverage processing is a great strength of this region and today’s announcement by a global brand is a real shot in the arm for us,” Hurlbutt said. “I think the region should be proud of Barilla’s investment here.”
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Pasta giant Barilla invests $170M in Avon expansion, will add 90+ jobs
Reporting by Steve Howe, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
