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Food and Wine
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Food and Wine
Source : (remove) : WTAJ Altoona
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DelGrosso Food granted funds for large Blair County expansion

DelGrosso Foods Receives Major Funding Boost for Expansive Facility Upgrade in Pennsylvania

In a significant development for Pennsylvania's food manufacturing sector, DelGrosso Foods, a longstanding family-owned company based in Tipton, has been awarded substantial financial support to undertake one of its largest expansion projects to date. The funding, announced recently by state economic development officials, aims to bolster the company's production capabilities, create new employment opportunities, and strengthen the local economy in Blair County. This initiative underscores the ongoing efforts to revitalize manufacturing in rural areas of the Keystone State, where companies like DelGrosso have been pivotal in sustaining community livelihoods for generations.

DelGrosso Foods, renowned for its premium pasta sauces, marinades, and other Italian-inspired products, traces its roots back to 1946 when Ferdinand and Mafalda DelGrosso opened a small restaurant in Altoona. What began as a modest family venture has evolved into a major player in the national food industry, with products distributed across the United States and beyond. The company's commitment to quality, using fresh ingredients and traditional recipes, has earned it a loyal customer base and accolades, including being recognized as America's oldest family-owned pasta sauce manufacturer. Over the decades, DelGrosso has expanded its operations while maintaining its headquarters in Tipton, a move that has helped preserve jobs and economic stability in a region that has faced challenges from industrial shifts and population decline.

The newly granted funds, totaling several million dollars, come from a combination of state programs designed to promote business growth and innovation. Specifically, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has played a key role, providing low-interest loans and grants through initiatives like the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA) and other economic stimulus packages. These resources are earmarked for a comprehensive upgrade and expansion of DelGrosso's primary manufacturing facility. The project includes the addition of new production lines, state-of-the-art equipment for sauce bottling and packaging, and enhanced storage facilities to handle increased output. Company executives have indicated that this expansion will allow DelGrosso to meet growing demand for its products, particularly in the organic and specialty food markets, where consumers are increasingly seeking authentic, high-quality options free from artificial preservatives.

One of the most compelling aspects of this funding is its projected impact on employment. DelGrosso currently employs over 200 people in its Tipton operations, many of whom are long-term residents of Blair County. The expansion is expected to create at least 50 new full-time positions within the next two years, spanning roles in production, logistics, quality control, and administration. This job growth is particularly vital in a county where unemployment rates have hovered above the national average in recent years, exacerbated by the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. Local leaders have hailed the project as a beacon of hope, emphasizing how it will not only provide stable wages but also stimulate related industries, such as agriculture suppliers who provide tomatoes, herbs, and other ingredients for DelGrosso's sauces.

Beyond job creation, the expansion aligns with broader sustainability goals. DelGrosso has committed to incorporating energy-efficient technologies into the new facility, including solar panels and water recycling systems, to reduce its environmental footprint. This move reflects a growing trend in the food industry, where companies are under pressure to adopt greener practices amid concerns over climate change and resource scarcity. By modernizing its operations, DelGrosso aims to increase production efficiency, potentially boosting annual output by 30% or more. This could enable the company to expand its market reach, perhaps venturing into new product lines like ready-to-eat meals or international exports, further solidifying its position in a competitive landscape dominated by giants like Kraft Heinz and Conagra.

State officials involved in the funding decision have praised DelGrosso's track record of community involvement. The company is not just a business; it's a cultural staple in central Pennsylvania, famous for its annual La Famiglia DelGrosso amusement park events and charitable contributions to local causes, including food banks and education programs. Governor's office representatives noted that supporting such homegrown enterprises is essential for Pennsylvania's economic strategy, which prioritizes retaining manufacturing jobs and fostering innovation in traditional sectors. "Investing in companies like DelGrosso ensures that our rural communities thrive," a DCED spokesperson stated, highlighting how the funds will leverage private investments to maximize returns.

The project's timeline is ambitious, with groundbreaking expected in the coming months and full operations slated for late next year. DelGrosso's leadership, including CEO Michael DelGrosso, grandson of the founders, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunities ahead. "This funding is a game-changer for us," he remarked in a recent statement. "It allows us to honor our family's legacy while embracing the future, creating more opportunities for our team and delivering even better products to our customers." The expansion also positions DelGrosso to navigate challenges like supply chain disruptions and rising ingredient costs, which have plagued the food industry post-pandemic.

In the broader context of Pennsylvania's economy, this funding fits into a pattern of state-backed initiatives aimed at bolstering the food and beverage sector, which contributes billions annually to the state's GDP. Blair County, in particular, has seen a renaissance in manufacturing thanks to similar grants, with DelGrosso joining other local firms in driving growth. Economists predict that the ripple effects could include increased tax revenues, improved infrastructure, and enhanced workforce training programs, all of which benefit the wider community.

As DelGrosso Foods embarks on this transformative phase, it serves as a model for how targeted public-private partnerships can propel family businesses into the modern era. The company's story is one of resilience, innovation, and community ties, reminding us that in an age of corporate conglomerates, there's still room for enterprises that prioritize heritage and quality. With this funding secured, DelGrosso is poised not only to expand its physical footprint but also to deepen its impact on the lives of Pennsylvanians, ensuring that the flavors of its sauces continue to grace tables nationwide for generations to come.

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Read the Full WTAJ Altoona Article at:
[ https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/delgrosso-food-granted-funds-large-174842419.html ]