An Italian pasta manufacturer has selected London to become the home of its first North American plant.
Andriani SpA announced on Wednesday it will be building a new 50,000 square foot allergen and gluten free pasta manufacturing factory in London’s Innovation Park at Bradley Avenue and Veterans Memorial Parkway.
“London has all the right ingredients, supportive city, talent, access to raw materials and a great location to access many different markets,” said Michele Di Paolo, the company’s chief executive officer of operations.
The new facility is expected to employ 50 people to start and will procure raw materials from Southwestern Ontario for its products. Andriani SpA is considered a leader in the European market for allergen and gluten free pasta, producing more than 40,000 tonnes per year for more than 30 countries. It has a history of working closely with regional farms to develop non-GMO supplies of brown rice, corn, quinoa, buckwheat, amaranth, lentils, and peas. The pasta is sold under the Felicia and Biori brands.
“Andriani is a fantastic addition to London’s agri-food cluster that already has more than 90 companies employing close to 10,000 people, with a growing specialty in health food products,” said Kapil Lakhotia, President and CEO of the London Economic Development Corporation. “We are delighted to attract jobs and investment from such a reputable European company.”
Construction is slated to begin this year with hopes the pasta plant will be operational sometime in 2024.
