Barilla America Inc. and Jacobson Warehouse Company Inc. will open a second U.S. pasta-manufacturing and distribution facility in Avon, New York.

Barilla America, part of the Parma, Italy-based Barilla Group, the largest pasta manufacturer in the world, will invest $87.7 million in the facility, while Jacobson plans to invest $8.5 million. The 300,000 square-foot facility (including a 100,000 square foot manufacturing plant and a 200,000 square foot warehouse/distribution center) will be located on a 49-acre site north of Route 5 & 20 in the village of Avon.

The project, which is scheduled to break ground in June 2006, is expected to start production in June 2007 and create 121 jobs over the next three years.

"We sought a location that felt like a home away from home," said Barilla America President Kirk Trofholz. "Parma, Italy has been our home for almost 125 years, ever since Pietro Barilla opened his small pasta and bread shop. We were looking for a community that would provide the same hometown feel as Parma, as well as the right mix of benefits. We found all of that in Avon."

Henry Hansen, principal for the land owner, Livingston Industrial Complex Inc., said that he was very impressed by the team effort that is bringing a world-renowned food manufacturer to Livingston County.

Livonia, Avon & Lakeville Railroad president William D. Burt noted that Barilla is joining a string of food-related industries served by LAL that includes Sweeteners Plus, ADM, Kraft General Foods, Frank Perdue, and Howlett Farms. The evolution of the LA&L into Livingston County's "Food Corridor" has been supported by the railroad's intensive service, aggressive capital investments, and competitive rail connections, said Burt, who looks forward to putting these advantages to work for them.

"Barilla is a world leader in pasta manufacturing. LA&L people will give them the world-class rail service that makes this a great place for food producers to be," Burt said.