Made in Connecticut: Nuovo Pasta Productions, Ltd

Each month, we profile a Connecticut manufacturer, showcasing the ingenuity and innovation driving the state’s economy. For November, we spoke with Tom Quinn, vice president of operations, COO of Nuovo Pasta Productions, Ltd., based in Stratford.

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Company location

Headquartered in Stratford, with four buildings in the state.

When was your company founded?

1989.

How many employees work for your company?

Over 200.

What products does your company manufacture? Who are your customers?

Nuovo Pasta produces filled and flat artisan pasta, meal kits, pesto, and sauces.

Nuovo’s customers include club stores, high volume retail chains, and specialty retail grocers all across the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Why did you choose manufacturing?

Carl Zuanelli, founder and CEO of Nuovo Pasta Productions, left a successful banking career to enter manufacturing after researching the explosive growth of the refrigerated pasta segment and the lack of premium offerings at the time.

What makes your company unique?

A tradition of innovation is Nuovo’s mission and driving force.

The company is known for continually offering new and innovative pasta and sauce products using contemporary food concepts, while being mindful of deeply rooted culinary traditions.

Nuovo uses only the freshest, all natural, finest ingredients for its products.

Why did you choose Connecticut?

The geographic location between New York and Boston is ideal for distribution. It is home for us and our employees.

What is the greatest advantage to operating in Connecticut?

State and local focus on supporting and growing the state’s manufacturing sector.

Where do you see your company in five years? Ten years?

We project to double our current production in five years and continue adding more jobs in Connecticut. And then doing the same in 10 years.

What’s the main thing policymakers could implement to make your company more competitive?

Tax breaks to assist with the high cost of expanding in Connecticut. Strengthening communities to make living in Connecticut more affordable and attractive for everyone.