Barilla bets on gluten free pasta business to grow on the Us market. The construction of two new production lines in Ames (Iowa) is slated to begin in March and be completed by October, when production is expected to start. The expansion will create 23 new jobs. “This expansion signals Barilla’s commitment to providing delicious, versatile, and quality options for those living a gluten free lifestyle,” said Jean-Pierre Comte, Barilla Group President, Region Americas in the news release. “The investment will improve product availability not just here in the States., but around the world.”
Company officials said the gluten free pasta produced in Ames will be shipped to Canada, Brazil, Mexico and Australia, as well as locations across the Us. “We were originally sold on Ames because of Iowa’s incredible work ethic and its top-notch workforce,” said Comte. “We’re thrilled to be expanding our roots in this community and to work with a state that values and supports manufacturers”.
Barilla received local and state grants and tax incentives for the project. “Barilla’s decision to invest in this facility speaks volumes about their commitment to Ames,” said Ames Economic Development Commission Executive Vice President for Existing Business and Industry Ron Hallenbeck. “We understand they have options on where to invest their capital dollars and we value their dedication to the gluten-free market with this expansion, which once again demonstrates the strength and attractiveness of our Ames workforce and business environment.” The Ames facility, which currently has 162 employees and four production lines, opened in 1998 and was Barilla’s first manufacturing plant in the United States. The plant makes most of Barilla’s pasta cuts and is capable of producing 125,000 tons of pasta annually.