January 14/Philadelphia/ Press Release – Philadelphia Macaroni Company, one of the country’s oldest and largest industrial pasta manufacturers, agreed to purchase Unilever’s pasta facility located in Harrisburg, Pa. Terms of the sale agreement were not disclosed.

The two parties agreed that the Unilever facility will transition to Philadelphia Macaroni during the first quarter of 2014. The Harrisburg plant will continue to fulfill Unilever’s pasta requirements for its North America dry soups and sides business under a long-term supply agreement. 

The Unilever-Harrisburg facility manufactures pasta for the Knorr Pasta Sides and Lipton Soup Secrets.  Knorr and Lipton are both internationally recognized brands.  Officials said Unilever-Harrisburg’s approximately 50 skilled employees will be offered positions with Philadelphia Macaroni.

“The Harrisburg plant was recently updated with state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment. This facility, complemented with its dedicated and professional workforce, is a valuable asset critical to the future development, growth and success of Philadelphia Macaroni Company,” said Luke Marano, Jr., Philadelphia Macaroni president. “The long-term Unilever supply agreement will allow this facility to continue its evolution as a best-in-class source of pasta ingredients.”

Philadelphia Macaroni Company manufactures dry, frozen and specialty pasta for industrial, institutional, and contract retail customers.  Through its pasta factories located in Pennsylvania, North Dakota, and Washington, the company produces and distributes pasta to an international customer base. 

 The company also mills durum and hard red spring wheat for internal use as well as for sale on the open market through its division, Minot Milling Company located in North Dakota.  All pasta and milling facilities are kosher and organic certified.  Incorporated in 1914, the company is a 5th generation family-owned business headquartered in Philadelphia and employs more than 200 workers nationwide.