Chicago Construction News staff writer
Ferrero North America, part of the global confectionery company Ferrero Group, will invest up to $214.4 million to expand its chocolate processing and product manufacturing plant in Bloomington, Illinois.
The 169,000 sq. ft. addition will be dedicated to producing Kinder Bueno, a popular Ferrero premium chocolate bar in Europe that launched in the U.S. in 2019.
Construction could start this all and is anticipated to create up to 200 new jobs over a four-year period. The expansion will be one of the largest production lines built by Ferrero outside of Europe.
“The investments we’re making in Bloomington are fueling continued growth for Ferrero in North America and are also creating important job opportunities in the community,” said Todd Siwak, president of Ferrero North America. “We are thrilled to continue growing here with the invaluable support of the City of Bloomington, McLean County, and the State of Illinois.”
The announcement comes months after Ferrero broke ground on a chocolate processing facility at the same location, which is set to begin operating in 2023.
“Just months after Ferrero broke ground on its first-ever U.S. chocolate processing facility in Illinois
“We’re excited to see our relationship with Ferrero North America continue to grow, along with the company’s footprint here in Bloomington,” said Bloomington Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe. “Increasing the Ferrero labor force with our homegrown talent truly shows the company’s commitment to central
Illinois.
The new line – which will manufacture Kinder Bueno bars and minis – represents the first time Kinder products will be made in North America.
