New expansion will create 48 jobs, $24 million capital investment

MADISON, WI. Feb. 27, 2019 – Bernatello’s Pizza, a frozen pizza manufacturer and distributor, is expanding its facility in Kaukauna—a $24 million project expected to create 48 jobs over the next three years.

“The decision by Bernatello’s to invest here in Wisconsin shows the company’s continued commitment to our state and its workforce,” said Mark R. Hogan, secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), the state’s lead economic development organization. “In addition to the jobs created by this project, this expansion will allow Bernatello’s to take advantage of a growing market and position itself for future growth.”

“Bernatello’s is excited about the opportunity to expand our footprint and strengthen our position in the Fox Valley area,” said Dave Ramsay, Bernatello’s president and second-generation owner. “The company has experienced steady growth since our acquisition of Orv’s Pizza in 2012 and we are committed to making Bernatello’s an employer of choice in the area. We believe our newly expanded state-of-the-art facility will not only provide us with significant operational efficiencies but also be a much more enjoyable and safe work environment.”

Family owned and operated since 1982, Bernatello’s is a frozen pizza manufacturer and distributor headquartered in Edina, Minnesota. The company has a manufacturing facility in Maple Lake, Minnesota, and Wisconsin locations in Eau Claire and Kaukauna. The company’s brand family includes Brew Pub, Bellatoria, Real’Za, Pizza Corner, Hangry Bear, Orv’s and Roma.

WEDC is supporting the project by authorizing up to $350,000 in state income tax credits over the next three years. The actual amount of tax credits Bernatello’s will receive is contingent upon the number of jobs created and the amount of capital investment during that period.

Bernatello’s recently undertook a 30,000-square-foot expansion to the company’s Kaukauna facility, which includes a new high-speed double pizza topping line, to increase efficiency and strengthen the company’s market position.

In addition to the 48 jobs expected to be created by the company, an economic modeling study estimates the project could indirectly generate 60 additional jobs in the region. These 108 new jobs are expected to generate more than $960,000 in state income tax revenue over a five-year period.