Area Development
Daniele Foods, a producer of finely cured Italian meats, is investing $50 million on a new 300,000-square-foot facility in Burrillville, Rhode Island, that will double its production capabilities and expand its existing workforce.

"Rhode Island is our home," said Vlado Dukcevich, Daniele Foods chairman. "We are pleased to be able to expand here. This new factory will not only grow our footprint, it will give us the capacity to double our production."

Although estimated job creation figures were not immediately available, the company currently employs over 300 workers, a number that is expected to grow as the new facility comes on line. Construction of the addition is expected to generate 250 jobs.

Each year Daniele produces over 23 million pounds of Italian cured meats and ships over 100 million packages of its Del Duca Prosciutto, sopressata, salame, pancetta, mortadella and capocollo to supermarkets, grocers, delis and restaurants across the United States, as well as to Canada, Mexico, China, Korea and other countries.

"Daniele Foods is an outstanding, family-run Rhode Island company that makes a significant contribution to our state's economy," said Governor Lincoln Chafee. "I am pleased that the state was able to work with the company to make the regulatory process easy and efficient, which is our goal for all Rhode Island businesses."

"This expansion will not only increase the number of full-time jobs at Daniele, which already employs more than 300 people, it will fuel hundreds of jobs in our struggling construction industry. Daniele Foods has a long and proud history, and I look forward to its continued success and growth right here in Rhode Island," the Governor added.

The firm's factory expansion in Burrillville Commerce Park off Route 102 was expedited through efforts of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, which helped with the regulatory process.

"Providing Rhode Island businesses with the resources and technical assistance that they need to grow and expand is part of Rhode Island's business growth strategy," said Keith Stokes Executive Director of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation. "By accelerating the permitting process and purchase of land we helped this long-standing Rhode Island business to build a new 300,000 sq. ft. facility to retain and generate jobs." In addition, Daniele is working with the RI EDC to explore the opportunity to utilize solar panels and other renewable energy sources.

"The Dukcevich family's continued investment in Rhode Island is commendable and valued during these challenging times," General Treasurer Gina M. Raimondo said. "It is important to encourage and support other family businesses who may be considering similar expansions." The Dukcevich family also announced it is committed to working with RI farmers and is in the process of developing a soon to be launched locally grown line.