Expansion Management

Talenti Gelato to Open Plant in Georgia

Aug. 22, 2012

Food processing is the largest sector of Georgia’s manufacturing industry.

Talenti Gelato announced on Wednesday that it has acquired a former Kroger ice cream production facility in Marietta, Georgia and will expand its footprint bringing 100 new jobs.

The company, which manufactures gelato and premium ice cream, plans to maintain its existing plant in Dallas but re-locate its primary production headquarters to the Marietta Industrial Park and begin production later this year.

“Food processing is the largest sector of Georgia’s manufacturing industry, and Talenti Gelato is a leader in its field,” said Chris Cummiskey, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development.

Currently, Talenti is carried in most national supermarkets and food retailers, including Kroger, Publix, Whole Foods Market, The Fresh Market, Target and Ingles.

“The spirit of teamwork was alive and well throughout this project, with the City of Marietta, CobbWorks, Cobb Chamber, Georgia QuickStart, Chattahoochee Technical College and our statewide partners coming together to provide quality service to Talenti. This win will create many jobs in our manufacturing sector and provide Marietta with tremendous investment for years to come.”

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.