Global confectionery company Ferrero Group plans to invest up to $214 million to expand its chocolate processing and product manufacturing plant in Bloomington, Illinois, creating up to 200 new jobs and making the site one of its biggest production lines outside of Europe.
The expansion comes hot on the heels of Ferrero starting construction on its Bloomington facility, which is slated to start up in 2023. Work on the 169,000-sq-ft addition is expected to start by this fall and will make the company’s popular Kinder Bueno chocolate bar. After launching in North America in 2019, the Kinder Bueno brand grew more than 50 percent last year to $167 million, the company said.
“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,” Todd Siwak, President and Chief Business Officer of Ferrero North America, said in a press release. “We are thrilled to continue growing here with the invaluable support of the City of Bloomington, McLean County, and the State of Illinois.”
One of the biggest chocolate and confectionary companies in the world, Ferrero is also known for its Ferrero Rocher chocolates, Nutella hazelnut spread, and other products. In 2018, it also acquired the Butterfinger, Crunch Bar, Baby Ruth, and other candy brands from Nestle.
Innovation, Meet Infrastructure: Illinois Leads in Quantum, AI, and Microelectronics
As we approach 2026, it’s undeniable that technological innovation drives economic leadership, and Illinois is leading at this intersection.
Illinois Agriculture: Where Innovation Takes Root
At the cornerstone of American agriculture stands Illinois. And today, the state blends its agricultural impact with technological innovation to create the future of food—driving productivity and sustainability.
Advanced Manufacturing Finds Its Competitive Edge in the Heart of the U.S.
In the heart of America’s industrial belt, Illinois charts a new course for the future of manufacturing. From legacy steelmakers to cutting-edge aerospace and defense suppliers, companies in Illinois are defining how—and where—things are made.
