Palermo Villa Inc., the manufacturer of Palermo’s Pizza, is planning to expand its corporate headquarters and manufacturing facility in Milwaukee’s Menomonee Valley by purchasing nearly 3 acres of vacant land to the south of its current plant.
“The land is part of an option we had and we exercised that option,” said Giacomo Fallucca, president and CEO of the company. “We can foresee expanding the facility, probably at some time in 2010, and this land purchase is needed for that.”
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, Fallucca said. Despite current economic conditions, demand has continued to rise for Palermo’s branded frozen pizzas and the private label brands it supplies.
"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," Fallucca said. "This expansion underscores the success we’ve enjoyed and our ongoing commitment to invest in our vibrant community."
On Thursday, Milwaukee’s Redevelopment will take action on the request to buy three additional acres in the Menomonee Valley Industrial Center (MVIC).
Palermo’s does not yet know the exact size of its expansion, Fallucca said, but believes it will be more than 50,000 square feet. Most of that space will be used for an expanded production area, but some additional areas will be used for employee amenities like locker rooms, break areas and parking.
Palermo’s currently employs more than 400 people at its 135,000-square-foot facility. The expansion will likely result in new jobs, but Fallucca said the company has not yet determined how many jobs it could create.
"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.”
For more on Palermo’s, visit http://www.palermospizza.com/index.aspx.
