Premium brand pet food plant opens in Rockingham County
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) — A premium brand pet food plant is coming to the Triad all the way from Italy.
Farmina Pet Foods will be opening its first-ever U.S. manufacturing plant in Rockingham County.
It's a major investment for the region. FPF's owner and CEO, Dr. Angelo Russo, said that it was North Carolina's hospitality, good conditions for economic growth and an abundance of qualified workers that stood out to them.
For Rockingham County, it will bring up to 300 more jobs and technologies from around the world.
North Carolina Senator Phil Berger said now is a fascinating time for the pet industry.
'Fewer people are having kids, but … more getting dogs … and cats. I don't want to forget about our feline friends, but it's something people care a great deal about,' Berger said.
Berger described FPF as one of the most reputable pet food brands that will bring a lot of growth to the local economy.
'Good, high-paying manufacturing jobs. Great for Rockingham County,' he said.
In Reidsville, FPF will be opening its first U.S. manufacturing facility, and they have ambitious plans to deliver the best quality pet foods. FPF's North America CEO, Loris Rinaldi, said it was a $115 million investment. He is confident that it will be worth it for both the company and the county.
'This facility is designed to expand and have three times the production capacity we have today, and that additional investment is for the 300 people that will run this facility 24/7,' Rinaldi said.
The facility will run with some cutting-edge technology.
'All of our bags are packed with nitrogen, which keeps everything fresh until you open the bag,' Rinaldi said.
After having facilities in Italy and South America, this would be FPF's fifth facility, and they could not have found a better place to start off their North American venture.
'Your kind welcome … Economically speaking, the good conditions you give to us and a lot of qualified workers,' Russo said.
Russo said this is just the beginning of the journey.
According to Rinaldi, they will import machines from Japan, Italy and France for their technology.
FPF's production will begin in July.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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