Food Manufacturer Acquiring South Windsor Site Of Former Carla's Pasta

SOUTH WINDSOR, CT — Home Market Foods, a leading specialty provider of frozen meatballs, chicken, appetizers and snacks for both retail customers and the food service industry, plans to expand its manufacturing operation by acquiring the former Carla's Pasta location on Talbot Lane.

The Norwood, Mass.-based company plans to invest about $71 million over the next year to renovate and expand the current 82,500 square-foot facility. About 28,000 square feet will be added, and more than 200 jobs will be created at the plant.

"Home Market Foods is thrilled to expand our manufacturing operations to the state of Connecticut, which has a long-standing record of hosting some of the greatest manufacturing companies in the country and to work so closely with the town of South Windsor to expand its base of jobs and community support," CEO Doug Atamian said in a written statement. "This new plant represents a significant opportunity for Home Market Foods to further expand our manufacturing capabilities and to advance our meal solutions innovation to meet the growing needs of our consumers throughout North America."

Several tax credits were approved to aid the company's decision to establish a presence in Hartford County.

Following a recommendation from the South Windsor Economic Development Commission, the town council unanimously approved a 7-year tax abatement program at its April 15 meeting. The agreement calls for a 70 percent abatement in the first three years, followed by a 10 percent decrease in each subsequent year.

Other incentives include a tax credit totaling up to $4 million over 10 years from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, and up to $700,000 from a sales and use tax exemption.