Manchester Barbecue Pellets Officially Opens At Former Feed Plant

MANCHESTER, CT — Manchester Barbecue Pellets has officially opened a new manufacturing facility at an old feed plant on the north side of town.

A grand opening was staged Friday featuring Manchester Barbecue Pellets Managing Member Michael Licamele, President Scott Licamele and Vice President of Operations Rich Ray.

The new manufacturing facility is located at 46 Apel Place.

The historic brick building was the home of Central Connecticut Cooperative Farmers Association for 78 years before it closed in 2016 due to declining agricultural production in the state.

Manchester Barbecue Pellets acquired the former animal feed mill building in 2019 and has "restored and reinvented" the building as a manufacturing facility with the help of redevelopment funding through CT
Innovations Angel Investor Tax Credit Program.

Manchester Barbecue Pellets is expected to create between 20 and 25 jobs over the next 24 months and is designed to "spur the growth of the forestry industry while reinvigorating the local economy."

Manchester Barbecue Pellets manufactures hardwood barbecue pellets for use in pellet grills. The easy-to-use wood pellets are produced from locally sourced 100 percent natural hardwoods such as hickory, oak and maple which provide a natural wood smoke flavor, officials said.