Ferrero North America, part of the global confectionery company Ferrero Group, announced plans to build a new chocolate manufacturing centre in Bloomington, Illinois.It will be Ferrero’s first chocolate manufacturing plant outside of Europe and its first in the USA.
The new manufacturing centre will be a US$75 million investment for an expansion of Ferrero’s Bloomington facility to increase the company’s presence and capabilities in North America.
Giovanni Ferrero, Executive Chairman of the Ferrero Group said,
As a family company, we are proud to have a long track record of investments in local manufacturing infrastructure over the last 70 years.
We are therefore delighted to announce that construction will begin on Ferrero’s first chocolate manufacturing center in North America – a key strategic market for us.
This investment represents an important milestone as we continue to expand our offering of high-quality products for consumers across North America.
The site will allow the company to produce chocolate for Crunch, 100Grand, SnoCaps, Raisinets, Goobers, Ferrero Rocher and other Ferrero products.
The site expansion will add 70,000 square feet to Ferrero’s current Beich Road footprint, create approximately 50 additional local jobs and contribute to economic development. They project to start construction by Spring 2021.
Paul Chibe, President and CEO, Ferrero North America said,
I am excited about our significant investment in our Bloomington facility. The investment in Bloomington will enable continued growth for Ferrero in North America and will create significant opportunities for the Bloomington community.
We are excited to grow in Bloomington and look forward to offering strong employment opportunities to the people of Illinois.
Lapo Civiletti, CEO of the Ferrero Group further explains that North America will be home to their third chocolate manufacturing plant in the world. This investment strengthens their commitment to the region and will play a crucial role in meeting their global growth goals.
Over the last 18 months, Ferrero has made significant investments in North America, including the expansion of its North American headquarters in New Jersey, opening of new distribution centers in Pennsylvania, Arizona and Georgia, and management of two facilities in Franklin Park, Illinois, as well as the plant in Bloomington.
