Photo: Alamy
Famed pasta-maker Barilla will expand its Avon, New York, facility in a two-phase project that is expected to bring more jobs to the area and boost the American economy, as does a $15 billion data center in Missouri.
According to a press release from New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s (D) office, the two-phase expansion to the Barilla Avon plant will include the construction of a 52,000 square-foot building, including new production and three packaging lines.
The second phase of this project will include hiring for 90 new jobs, adding to the 145 jobs already created when the plant initially opened.
“By increasing our capacity, we’re investing not only in our business, but in the future of the community where we’ve proudly operated for years,” said Barilla Americas Supply Chain Vice President Fabio Pettenari in a statement.
The Trump economy has delivered fairly solid results so far when it comes to jobs, according to the most recent reports. According to the White House, the economy added 115,000 jobs in April. 12,600 of those jobs were construction-related positions.
This comes as little surprise amid reports that rising demand for AI data centers has resulted in what some may argue is the beginning of a construction job boom. An article in the Wall Street Journal last year described this AI-driven surge as a “Gold Rush” for American construction workers.
Just this week, for example, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe (R) announced a $15 billion data center investment from Google into New Florence, projected to create thousands of jobs in the area.
“This project will deliver lasting economic benefits through new investment, support for local businesses, and meaningful community partnerships that help create opportunities for Missourians,” said Missouri Director of the Department of Development, Michelle Hataway.
Under the Trump administration, AI data center demand has increased along with manufacturing, and the U.S. economy also grew in the first quarter of 2026, rising two percent in the latest estimate from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
