Barilla plans $26.5 million expansion to Ames pasta plant

AMES, Iowa (AP) - Pasta-maker Barilla Group has announced plans for a $26.5 million expansion at its Ames production plant to add two new production lines dedicated to making gluten-free pasta.

In a news release Friday, Barilla said construction is slated to begin in late March, and production is expected to start by October. The expansion will create 23 new jobs.

The company says its gluten-free pasta made in Ames will be shipped to Canada, Brazil, Mexico and Australia, as well as places across the U.S.

Barilla President Jean-Pierre Comte says the company is thrilled to be expanding its roots in Ames and "to work with a state that values and supports manufacturers."

Barilla received local and state grants and tax incentives for the project.