Winland Foods to invest $38.5 million in pasta facility

ST. LOUIS — Food manufacturer Winland Foods Inc. is investing $38.5 million to expand its pasta production plant in South St. Louis, according to the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED).

Under the project, Oak Brook, Ill.-based Winland plans to boost its manufacturing capacity and flexibility at the facility for making and packaging jumbo shell products, including the addition of production lines and rail car access, the Missouri DED said. Besides jumbo shells, the plant at 611 E Marceau St. in St. Louis produces egg pasta and manicotti.

“This investment will add significant capacity to our local facility,” said Bob Chapin, technical operations manager for Winland Foods and previously the manager for the St. Louis plant. “Our passion for producing high-quality food starts with our manufacturing process, and here in St. Louis, we have all the ingredients for success. We look forward to continued growth here moving forward.”

Expanded production at Winland’s St. Louis plant is expected to go into operation this fall, the Missouri DED said. The investment will create 25 new jobs at the facility, which currently has more than 100 employees.

“Winland Foods’ $38.5 million investment and 25 new jobs demonstrate continued confidence in the economic advantages that have made our state a leading business destination,” said Michelle Hataway, director of the Missouri DED. “Team DED is proud to support this growth, which will generate lasting economic impact and continue to help Missourians prosper in the St. Louis region.”

Overall, Winland operates 17 production facilities, including 14 in the United States, 1 in Canada and 2 in Italy.

Serving the retail, private label and foodservice markets, Winland fields a meal preparation-focused product line, including pasta, sauces, syrups, dressings, jams and jellies, pie fillings, pita chips, dry dinners, dry baking ingredients and plant-based protein. Its broad roster of pasta brands includes Mueller’s, Creamette, San Giorgio, Prince, Anthony’s, No Yolks, Light ’n Fluffy, Pennsylvania Dutch, Ronco, Wacky Mac, Skinner, American Beauty, Golden Grain, Mrs. Weiss’, Pasta Lensi and Luxury.