Italian cured meats producer Veronesi Holding S.p.A. will establish its first U.S. production operation in Rockingham County, VA. The facility will create more than 150 jobs over the next four years as the company plans to explore the possibility of working with smaller Virginia farms for its American production needs.

“This is a very ambitious project for us, and it marks an important step for our company,” said Veronesi Chief Executive Officer Luigi Fasoli. “We want to start a new chapter in our history and establish in this country our first-ever production site for cured meats abroad, offering Americans all our expertise with the maximum freshness and quality. It is with great enthusiasm that we choose Virginia, where we found all the necessary ingredients to live our American dream.”