More than 150 new jobs are coming to St. Charles County, thanks to Italian pasta maker Bertagni 1882.
On Thursday, August 6, Bertagni 1882, a subsidiary of Ebro Foods, announced plans to open a new food manufacturing facility in St. Charles. The $36.4 million investment is the company’s first in the U.S. and will strengthen its manufacturing and distribution operations, according to a press release.
“From winning a gold medal at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair to choosing St. Charles for its first U.S. manufacturing operation today, Bertagni’s connection to Missouri runs deep,” Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe said in a press release. “Missouri’s prime central location, world-class agricultural foundation, and top-tier logistics infrastructure make us the ideal home for premier global brands. We are proud to partner with Bertagni as they build their American footprint and bring new opportunities to St. Charles County.”
Bertagni 1882, the oldest producer of filled pasta in Italy, specializes in the production of premium private-label filled pasta for retailers across five continents. The company will set up shop at 3850 Millstone Parkway, in the former General Mills facility, after a renovation of the space.
“Success is contagious, and when an international brand like Bertagni invests in the St. Louis region, it sends a signal that we have the workforce, infrastructure, and economic environment manufacturers need to compete globally,” Greater St. Lous, Inc. Managing Partner Ron Kitchens said in the release. “We thank Bertagni for their investment, and we welcome the company to the St. Louis region.”
The company joins a suite of manufacturers in St. Charles County, ranging from industries such as aerospace, automotive, food and beverage, consumer products, fabricated metals, plastics, and more.
“The acquisition of the St. Charles facility marks an exciting new chapter for Bertagni. It will allow us to expand into meat-filled specialties, enhance supply chain security through U.S.-based production, and deliver fresh products to our retail partners while continuing to provide the award-winning Italian quality we have perfected since 1882,” said Enrico Bolla, managing director and co-founder of Bertagni 1882. “This investment enables us to reach out to new customers in a market brimming with opportunities.”
City of St. Charles Mayor Dan Borgmeyer said this investment from Bertagni 1882 reflects confidence in the local workforce, business ecosystem, and long-term economic development planning. “We worked hard to make St. Charles the strongest choice for this project,” Borgmeyer said in the release. “Our goal is always to create an environment where companies can invest, grow, and succeed — and we’re excited to welcome Bertagni as part of that future.”
The project represents a collaborative effort among Ameren, Bertagni 1882, City of St. Charles, Economic Development Council of St. Charles County, Gilmore & Bell, Greater St. Louis Inc., the Missouri Department of Economic Development, Missouri One Start, Missouri Partnership, and Spire.
“Bertagni’s investment reinforces Missouri’s leadership in food and beverage manufacturing and reflects the confidence global companies have in our state’s competitive advantages,” said Subash Alias, CEO of Missouri Partnership, in the release. “Bringing new life to an existing facility with a rich food manufacturing legacy is a win for both the company and the region’s economy. Missouri’s skilled workforce, central location, integrated supply chain, and efficient transportation network give manufacturers the advantages they need to grow, serve customers, and succeed in the U.S. market.”