PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia Macaroni Co. has agreed to acquire the Harrisburg, Pa., pasta plant owned by Unilever. The transaction is expected to close before the end of March.

With a long-term supply agreement, Philadelphia Macaroni will continue to produce pasta products for the Unilever dry soups and side dish business in North America. Specifically, the Harrisburg plant makes pasta for the Knorr Pasta Sides and Lipton Soup Secrets products. The plant has about 50 employees, and Philadelphia Macaroni said they would be offered positions.

 “The Harrisburg plant was recently updated with state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment,” said Luke Marano Jr., president of Philadelphia Macaroni. “This facility, complemented with its dedicated and professional workforce, is a valuable asset critical to the future development, growth and success of Philadelphia Macaroni Co.” 

Philadelphia Macaroni makes dry, frozen and specialty pasta for industrial, institutional, and contract retail customers. The company operates plants in Pennsylvania, North Dakota, and Washington.