ST. LOUIS — Volpi Foods, a manufacturer of cured meats that recently celebrated its 120^th anniversary and the opening of a new processing plant, announced that it qualified for the Economic Development Incentive (EDI) program offered by utility company Ameren Missouri.

The goal of Ameren Missouri and the EDI program is to reduce intermediate-term energy costs and encourage investment in energy-efficient technologies. 

“The expansion of the Volpi Foods processing facility in Union is another example of how businesses are prospering in our service territory,” said Tara Oglesby, vice president of community, economic development and energy solutions for Ameren Missouri. “We are thrilled they were able to utilize our economic development incentives to grow their business, which also benefits the local community.”

The power company will continue to review Volpi’s power usage at the end of two years, followed by an annual review. Depending on the results of the program, Volpi could continue to receive a 35% discount on power usage above its existing baseline for up to five years.

The company said the expansion of operations supports its commitment to sustainability. 

“Beyond the cost savings we can invest back into the business, we’re particularly grateful to be partnering with Ameren Missouri in this important stage of our expansion,” said Dylan Puricelli, engineering manager for Volpi. “Having the EDI program already in place will inspire more energy-efficient options for any new electrically powered equipment and ensure we’re moving in the right direction.”