Pennsylvania-based Quality Pasta Co. LLC plans to invest $13.3 million at a Merrillville site, which could create up to 70 jobs by the end of 2024.
The Indiana Economic Development Corp. said the company will lease and upgrade an 89,540-square-foot space at 9401 Georgia St. in Merrillville. The company will equip the site with high-speed packaging lines, which will allow the company to increase production capacity and grow its customer base.
State officials said Merrillville will be the company's second U.S. production facility. It is expected to be operational by the fall.
“We are proud to embark on this expansion to bring new capacity to the market and especially proud to do this after more than a year operating in a pandemic,” said Paul DeStefano, president of Quality Pasta Co. “The demand for our products and services remains strong, and we will continue to meet the needs of our customers with the highest quality, most innovative products available (and) the new plant and team in Merrillville will be a great compliment to our Charleroi, Pennsylvania, facility and team to help deliver more great products to the market.”
Quality Pasta Co., which employs more than 50 full-time workers in Charleroi, Pennsylvania, will begin hiring in Merrillville for a range of positions including mechanical, operations, quality, warehouse, office administration and others beginning this month. The company expects to employ up to 50 new employees in Merrillville within the first year.
“As a state, we’re working hard to maintain a pro-growth business climate that supports new investment and attracts companies like Quality Pasta Co. from across the country and around the world,” said Interim Secretary of Commerce Jim Staton. “We're excited for what the company has in store for Lake County and look forward to supporting their growth in the Hoosier state for years to come.”
Quality Pasta Co., founded in 2013 produces a variety of pasta and side dish products, from traditional macaroni and cheese to creamy rice sides. The company’s best-known item is its high-protein macaroni and cheese brand Muscle Mac, which is sold nationally and locally in Meijer, Walmart, Jewel-Osco, GNC and Vitamin Shoppe, as well as online, the state said.
“We are pleased that Quality Pasta Company chose Merrillville for their first expansion location,” said Rick Bella, Merrillville town council president. “Their entry into our local market further enhances our growing reputation as a destination for food production and distribution, affording companies like Quality Pasta Company product delivery to 80% of the U.S. population within a day and a skilled workforce to get the job done.”
The IEDC offered Quality Pasta up to $525,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans and are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim incentives once jobs are filled. The town of Merrillville also approved incentives.
