Ferrero North America has opened its first chocolate processing facility in North America, marking its third globally.
The project – the result of a $75 million investment – has seen 70,000-square-feet added on to Ferrero’s manufacturing campus in Bloomington, Illinois. The site will produce chocolate for some of Ferrero’s popular brands including Kinder, Ferrero Rocher, Butterfinger and Crunch.
Alanna Cotton, president and chief business officer of Ferrero North America, said: “Bringing Ferrero’s decades of experience making high-quality, world class chocolate to Illinois – the heart of America’s food and confections industry – is going to help us achieve our goal of being the sweets and treats leader in the market. Ferrero and Bloomington are going to be greater together for years to come.”
The Ferrero manufacturing campus in Bloomington manufactures Crunch, 100 Grand and Raisinets, as well as now processing chocolate. The campus will also soon house a new $214 million Kinder Bueno production facility, expected to create 200 new jobs when it opens later this year.
Bloomington Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe commented: “Ferrero’s investments have been a key driver of the incredible growth of our community. I look forward to prospering together for years to come.”
The chocolate processing facility is part of Ferrero’s overall growth and investment in North America – last year, the company opened its new innovation centre and R&D labs in Chicago.
By Phoebe Fraser
Source: foodbev.com
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