West Cook News

Massachusetts-based Richelieu Foods Inc. is looking to expand the size of their Wheeling plant by approximately 24%, and has received informal support from the Wheeling Village Board for the move.

The existing facility measures approximately 115,000 square feet and was opened in September 2016. The facility on West Palatine Road was originally occupied by Orval Kent Food Co., which vacated the premises in 2013.

The new addition if approved would add 27,687 square feet to the facility. Plans also call for three new docks for the loading and unloading of semi-trailers and 38 new parking spaces for employees, the Daily Herald reported.

When Richelieu Foods Inc. took over and renovated the facility in 2016 they had projected creating 100 jobs in the community. There are currently no projections on how many employees might be added with the expansion.

Richelieu Foods must next seek approval from Wheeling’s plan commission. However, the ongoing COVID-19 crisis has caused meetings of the commission to be postponed.

Wheeling Interim Director of Community Development Michael D'Onofrio said Richelieu Foods will have to file for a special use permit and then seek approval through site plan and appearance reviews.

"I think it's a great idea that you guys are expanding and I'm really excited that you are. Pizza capital of the world!" Wheeling Trustee Ray Lang said to Richelieu Foods representatives and reported by the Daily Herald.

Though the trustees gave generally positive responses to the proposed plans during a recent meeting, they will not have their say until the company has gone before the advisory plan commission.

The plan commission will give a recommendation to the village board which the board is not legally obligated to follow.

Richelieu Foods produces private-label food items including pizzas, sauces and salad dressings. 

D'Onofrio said the new addition would be for the production of a new line of pizza toppings.