Bertagni 1882 to establish first U.S. facility in St. Charles, MO
“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,” said Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe. “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 is an Italian premium fresh pasta company recognized as one of the oldest producers of filled pasta, with roots dating back to 1882. The company’s products are sold across five continents through specialty food channels, delicatessens, premium retailers, and private-label programs for major international retailers. Bertagni will benefit from access to a skilled workforce, multimodal transportation infrastructure, and a collaborative business ecosystem, providing the resources and connectivity needed for its long-term growth in North America.
“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. This investment enables us to reach out to new customers in a market brimming with opportunities.”
Situated in one of Missouri’s key manufacturing corridors, this new facility strengthens St. Charles County’s status as a hub for advanced manufacturing. The county hosts a wide range of manufacturers, including those in aerospace, automotive, food and beverage, consumer products, fabricated metals, plastics, and other advanced industries.
“We are proud to welcome Bertagni to Missouri as they establish their first U.S. facility in St. Charles,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Department of Economic Development. “This major investment is a testament to our state’s strong business environment, skilled workforce, and central location. Missouri is open for business, and we are excited to support Bertagni’s continued global growth.”
Missouri continues to attract companies from around the world by offering a skilled workforce, world-class infrastructure, competitive business costs, and a collaborative economic development network that helps businesses launch, expand, and succeed.
For this facility, Bertagni will benefit from the Missouri Works Program, a tool that helps companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation, subject to verification of program requirements. The company may receive assistance from Missouri One Start, a division of the Department of Economic Development. Missouri One Start assists eligible businesses with their recruitment and training needs.
This project represents a collaborative effort among Bertagni, Missouri Partnership, the Economic Development Council of St. Charles County, the Missouri Department of Economic Development, Missouri One Start, Greater St. Louis Inc., City of St. Charles, Spire, Ameren, and Gilmore & Bell.
What others are saying
“Bertagni 1882'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. “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.”
“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,” said Scott Drachnik, President and CEO of the Economic Development Council of St. Charles County.
“We worked hard to make St. Charles the strongest choice for this project,” said Mayor Dan Borgmeyer. “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.”
“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,” said Ron Kitchens, Managing Partner of Greater St. Louis, Inc. “We thank Bertagni for their investment, and we welcome the company to the St. Louis region.”
About Bertagni 1882
Founded in 1882, Bertagni is Italy's oldest producer of filled pasta and a pioneer in bringing authentic Italian pasta to markets worldwide. For more than 140 years, the company has combined tradition and innovation to preserve the authentic taste and quality of filled pasta in every product. Today, Bertagni specializes in the production of premium private-label filled pasta for leading retailers worldwide, building on a legacy of craftsmanship, quality, and Italian culinary heritage.
To learn more about Bertagni 1882, visit bertagni1882.it.
About the Missouri Department of Economic Development
The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) works to create an environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri’s businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. As one team built around the customer and driven by data, DED aspires to be the best economic development department in the Midwest. Through its various initiatives, DED is helping create opportunities for Missourians to prosper.
For the latest updates on DED’s current or future programs and initiatives, visit DED’s website.
About the Missouri Works Program
As the state’s number one incentive tool for expansion and retention, the Missouri Works Program helps businesses access capital through withholdings or tax credits to embark on facility expansions and create jobs. This program can also help businesses purchase equipment to maintain its facility in Missouri.
About Missouri One Start
Missouri One Start is the state’s premier workforce recruitment and training division. It helps eligible businesses of all sizes stay competitive by providing customized recruitment assistance, along with resources to train and upskill new and existing employees. Its recruitment strategies and training programs are tailored to the specific workforce needs of the businesses it serves.