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.
Meet Economic Driver: Maggie McGuire O’Brien, Managing Director Co-Head, Chicago, J.P. Morgan Private Bank
In continuing to celebrate Illinois’ women business leaders for Women’s History Month, we’re elevating Maggie McGuire O’Brien, managing director co-head, Chicago, J.P. Morgan Private Bank and Illinois EDC board member in this Economic Drivers feature.
Data Detective: Finding Women-Owned Business Enterprises in Chicago
In recognition of Women’s History Month, this edition of Data Detective focuses on women entrepreneurs in Illinois, with a closer look at Chicago’s role as a hub for women-owned businesses.
Meet Economic Driver: Meena Beyers, Vice President, Business & Community Development, Nicor Gas
We kick off this month’s series by showcasing Meena Beyers, vice president of business & community development at Nicor Gas and Illinois EDC executive advisory council member. She’s a (nearly) lifelong resident of Illinois, with her family moving from Indiana when she was two years old. Although she attended college in Indiana, she reiterates: “Illinois has always been home.”
