When people think of Italian cuisine, the Barilla name often comes to mind. Founded in Parma, Italy in 1877, Barilla has spent more than four generations perfecting the craft of pasta making. But while its heart may be Italian, one of its most important homes is right here in Ames, Iowa.
The Barilla plant in Ames opened in 1998—the company’s first production site in the United States—and has since become one of its largest and most advanced facilities worldwide. Situated on 125 acres, the Ames site is a unique operation: it’s the only Barilla location in the U.S. that houses both a milling operation and pasta production under one roof. Today, the plant produces roughly 1.2 million boxes of pasta every single day, processing more than 700 tons of wheat in the process.
“It’s incredible to think about the scale of what happens here in Ames,” said Dustin Moffitt, Plant Director at Barilla America. “We’re taking raw wheat grown across the Midwest and transforming it into a product that reaches dinner tables all over the country. That’s something our team takes a lot of pride in.”
A Local Leader with Global Vision
For Moffitt, that pride runs deep. An Iowa native, he began his Barilla journey in 2002 as a production operator on the floor. Over the years, his steady rise through the company reflects both his dedication and the company’s philosophy of investing in people. From Processing Technologist to Mill Manager, then Production Manager, and now Plant Director, his career has mirrored the growth and innovation of the Ames facility itself.
“I’ve literally grown up with this plant,” Moffitt said with a smile. “What’s made Barilla special to me is the opportunity to keep learning, keep improving, and work with people who genuinely care about what they do. The team here in Ames is world-class.”
Under his leadership, the plant continues to play a vital role in Barilla’s North American operations. With approximately 260 employees, the facility not only sustains a strong local workforce but also contributes significantly to the regional economy. Barilla maintains a 35% market share in the United States pasta industry, and Ames is a key piece of that success.
Investing in Ames and the Future
Barilla’s story in Ames is one of continual investment. In 2019, the company completed a $65 million expansion that increased production capacity and added state-of-the-art technology. The expansion reaffirmed Barilla’s commitment to Ames as its North American production hub.
“This community has supported us since day one,” Moffitt said. “We’re not just operating here—we’re part of Ames. Every expansion, every improvement we make, strengthens that partnership.”
Barilla’s close collaboration with organizations like the Ames Regional Economic Alliance exemplifies the synergy between global business and local development. The plant’s ongoing initiatives align closely with the Alliance’s mission to foster innovation, workforce development, and sustainable economic growth.
“Partnerships like ours with Barilla demonstrate the long-term benefits of investing in this region,” said Dan Culhane, President & CEO of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance. “Their growth has ripple effects throughout the community—from agriculture to logistics to workforce training.”
Beyond the Plate
Barilla’s presence in Ames extends beyond manufacturing. The company emphasizes sustainability and community engagement, reflecting its global mission to be “Good for You, Good for the Planet.” Locally, that commitment shows up in efforts to minimize waste, improve energy efficiency, and support local initiatives.
“Our work doesn’t stop when the pasta leaves the line,” Moffitt explained. “We’re constantly looking ahead—how we can be more efficient, how we can give back, and how we can ensure that what we do here continues to have a positive impact on both our people and our planet.”
A Global Brand, an Iowa Story
From its humble beginnings in Italy to its cutting-edge operations in Ames, Barilla represents a blend of tradition and progress. The Ames facility is not just a manufacturing site—it’s a symbol of what happens when global excellence meets Midwestern values. “When you see a box of Barilla pasta on the shelf, there’s a good chance it came from right here in Ames,” Moffitt said. “That’s something this community can be proud of.”