Palermo Villa Inc., manufacturer of Palermo’s Pizza, announced plans to expand its corporate headquarters in Milwaukee’s Menomonee Valley by purchasing nearly 3 acres of vacant land to the south of its current plant.
The expansion will pave the way for future growth and enable the company to respond quickly to increased demand for its nationally-recognized product line. The Redevelopment Authority of the City of Milwaukee (RACM) will take action on the request to buy three additional acres in the Menomonee Valley Industrial Center (MVIC) at its meeting on Thursday.
Palermo Villa has held an option to buy the property since 2005. The company hopes to break ground on site preparation in October and begin construction in April 2010.
"Back in 1995, our decision to invest in the Menomonee Valley was rooted in our love of Milwaukee and the promise of this newly developed area," said Giacomo Fallucca, president and chief executive officer of Palermo’s Pizza. "This expansion underscores the success we’ve enjoyed and our ongoing commitment to invest in our vibrant community."
The additional space is planned to accommodate an expanded production area, as well as employee amenities such as locker rooms and employee parking.
Palermo’s currently employs more than 400 people at its 135,000-square-foot facility.
"Palermo’s exhibited a great deal of faith as the first firm to locate at MVIC, and we are very pleased that this location has supported the company’s steady growth," said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett. "Palermo’s hires from nearby neighborhoods and is an outstanding corporate citizen. I’m delighted at the company’s decision to expand here.”
Palermo’s has been an iconic brand in the Milwaukee area since 1964, when founder Gaspare Fallucca opened an Italian bakery on the city’s east side. Palermo’s is the nation’s leading premium private label pizza manufacturer and was the first company to develop a site in the 140-acre Menomonee Valley Industrial Center. Today the company is led by Giacomo, Angelo and Laurie Fallucca.
