Italian pasta producer will establish its first U.S. manufacturing operation and create 150 jobs
ST. CHARLES, Mo. — August 12, 2026 — Bertagni 1882 USA Inc., a subsidiary of Ebro Foods, plans to establish a $36.4 million food manufacturing facility in St. Charles, Missouri.
The project will create 150 jobs over two phases while expanding Bertagni’s manufacturing and distribution capabilities across the United States.
The St. Charles operation will be the company’s first U.S. manufacturing facility, allowing the Italian pasta producer to manufacture closer to its North American customers, strengthen supply-chain security and expand into meat-filled pasta specialties.
Project Highlights
- $36.4 million capital investment
- 150 new jobs planned over two phases
- Bertagni’s first manufacturing facility in the United States
- Expanded production of fresh, filled pasta
- New capacity for meat-filled pasta specialties
- Increased domestic production and supply-chain security
- Central access to customers and retailers throughout North America
- Reuse of an existing food manufacturing facility in St. Charles
Bertagni Establishes First U.S. Manufacturing Operation
Founded in Italy in 1882, Bertagni produces fresh-filled pasta distributed across five continents through delicatessens, specialty food channels, premium retailers and private-label programs.
The St. Charles facility will expand the company’s U.S. production capacity and improve its ability to deliver fresh products to retail partners nationwide.
“The acquisition of the St. Charles facility marks an exciting new chapter for Bertagni,” said Enrico Bolla, managing director and co-founder of Bertagni 1882. “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.”
Bolla said the investment will also help Bertagni reach new customers in the growing U.S. food market.
Missouri’s Central Location Supports National Distribution
St. Charles provides Bertagni with access to a skilled workforce, multimodal transportation infrastructure and a central location for serving customers throughout the United States.
Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe said Bertagni’s relationship with the state dates to 1904, when the company received a gold medal at the St. Louis World’s Fair.
“Missouri’s prime central location, world-class agricultural foundation and top-tier logistics infrastructure make us the ideal home for premier global brands,” Kehoe said. “We are proud to partner with Bertagni as they build their American footprint and bring new opportunities to St. Charles County.”
Investment Strengthens St. Charles Manufacturing Sector
The new facility will join a diverse manufacturing base in St. Charles County that includes companies operating in:
- Food and beverage production
- Aerospace
- Automotive manufacturing
- Consumer products
- Fabricated metals
- Plastics
- Other advanced industries
St. Charles Mayor Dan Borgmeyer said the city worked to position itself as the strongest location for the project.
“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,” Borgmeyer said.
Scott Drachnik, president and CEO of the Economic Development Council of St. Charles County, said the selection demonstrates confidence in the area’s workforce and business climate.
“A world-renowned company like Bertagni choosing to expand in our community speaks volumes about the local workforce and the business-friendly environment in the City of St. Charles,” Drachnik said.
Project Expands St. Louis Region’s Global Manufacturing Presence
Regional economic development leaders said Bertagni’s investment will further establish the St. Louis area as a destination for international manufacturers.
“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,” said Ron Kitchens, managing partner of Greater St. Louis Inc.
Missouri Department of Economic Development Director Michelle Hataway said the project illustrates the state’s ability to support international business expansion.
“This major investment is a testament to our state’s strong business environment, skilled workforce and central location,” Hataway said. “Missouri is open for business, and we are excited to support Bertagni’s continued global growth.”
Food and Beverage Manufacturing Grows in Missouri
Bertagni’s investment will reinforce Missouri’s food and beverage manufacturing industry while returning an existing facility with a long food-production history to active use.
“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,” said Missouri Partnership CEO Subash Alias.
Alias said Missouri’s workforce, integrated supply chain, central location and transportation network give manufacturers the resources needed to grow and serve customers across the U.S. market.
State and Regional Partners Support the Project
The project represents a collaborative effort involving:
- Bertagni 1882
- Missouri Partnership
- City of St. Charles
- Economic Development Council of St. Charles County
- Missouri Department of Economic Development
- Missouri One Start
- Greater St. Louis Inc.
- Spire
- Ameren
- Gilmore & Bell
Missouri continues to recruit international companies by promoting its workforce, transportation infrastructure, business costs and coordinated economic development network.
About Bertagni 1882
Founded in 1882, Bertagni is Italy’s oldest producer of filled pasta. For more than 140 years, the company has combined traditional Italian pasta-making methods with modern production and food innovation.
Bertagni specializes in premium filled pasta and private-label products for leading international retailers. Its products are distributed across five continents through specialty food channels, delicatessens and retail programs.
About Missouri Partnership
Missouri Partnership is a public-private economic development organization focused on attracting new investment and employment to Missouri.
Since 2008, the organization has supported projects that have generated thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in capital investment through partnerships with state, regional and local economic development organizations.
Learn more at MissouriPartnership.com.
