An Italian family-owned company recognized as a market leader in the production of fresh salads, soups and ready meals has announced plans to open its first U.S. facility in Northwest Ohio.
La Linea Verde, with headquarters in Manerbio, Italy, will invest $15 million and create 77 new jobs at its new production facility in North Baltimore, Wood County. The new facility will produce fresh, ready-to-eat soups specifically developed for the U.S. market, with the Italian know-how, according to Domenico Battagliola, CEO, La Linea Verde.
“Our goal is to guarantee fast delivery times, high freshness, quality and product availability across the entire United States,” Battagliola said.
“As a family-founded company with deep-rooted values, La Linea Verde brings an authentic Italian passion for doing things well to every market we enter,” Battagliola continued. “Our ‘Italian heart’ drives us to combine tradition, innovation and sustainability, with the aim of offering fresh, naturally crafted food that genuinely improves people’s everyday lives. We believe in a responsible supply chain — from respectful farming to careful processing — so that consumers everywhere can enjoy wholesome, convenient and high-quality products.”
Company officials said the decision to expand in the U.S. arose from a combination of strategic and market factors, including wanting to bring production and distribution closer to the final customer, guaranteeing faster delivery, greater freshness and broader market coverage. In addition, the company has seen a growing demand for fresh, authentic foods with natural taste, and the U.S. represents a mature and receptive market for such an offering.
“Investing in the U.S. marks a major step in strengthening our international presence and consolidating our growth in global markets."
– Domenico Battagliola, CEO, La Linea Verde
For more than 30 years, La Linea Verde has managed the entire supply chain – from farming to processing and distribution – ensuring freshness, quality and continuous innovation, according to Battagliola. Currently, the company operates eight production facilities located in Italy, Spain, France and Serbia, employing around 1,900 people.
La Linea Verde is expected to begin production in spring 2026, occupying a new 100,000 square-foot spec building, located right off I-75. That facility was constructed by Nooter, supported through the Ohio Site Inventory Program (OSIP), an innovative initiative created by JobsOhio offering grants and low-interest loans to support speculative site and building development projects.
“La Linea Verde’s decision to open its first U.S. facility in Northwest Ohio is a testament to the region’s agriculture legacy, offering quick access to fresh, high-quality ingredients. The investment also highlights the benefits of speculative site development, which allows La Linea Verde to move quickly from build-out to production.”
– J.P. Nauseef, JobsOhio President and CEO
Battagliola noted the agricultural heritage of Northwest Ohio, making it a natural fit for the company model, which relies on short supply chains and partnerships with local growers to source fresh, high quality raw materials.
In addition, the company highlighted Northwest Ohio’s proximity to major consumer markets and distribution networks, its logistics and transportation infrastructure, and the availability of skilled labor in a business-friendly environment as key factors in the decision to locate in this region.
“We are looking forward to welcoming La Linea Verde to North Baltimore and Wood County, and we’re very excited about this agribusiness selecting us as their first U.S. operation,” said Wade Gottschalk, executive director, Wood County Economic Development Commission.
About the Regional Growth Partnership
The Regional Growth Partnership is the lead economic development organization serving 17 counties in Northwest Ohio. As a private nonprofit development corporation, the RGP is dedicated to fostering regional, national and international business investment opportunities across the region. The RGP serves as Northwest Ohio’s network partner for JobsOhio. Visit www.rgp.org for more information.
About JobsOhio
JobsOhio, Ohio’s private nonprofit economic development corporation, enhances company growth and personnel development through business attraction, retention, and expansion across ten competitive industry sectors. With a team of seasoned professionals, JobsOhio utilizes a comprehensive network to foster talent production in targeted industries and attract talent through Find Your Ohio. Collaborating with seven regional partners, including Dayton Development Coalition, Lake to River Economic Development, Ohio Southeast Economic Development, One Columbus, REDI Cincinnati, Regional Growth Partnership and Team NEO, JobsOhio delivers world-class customer service to provide companies with a competitive advantage. Learn more at www.jobsohio.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.