Tax incentives offered for candy company to expand in Bloomington

Posted on May 8, 2020
Elected leaders last expanded the enterprise zone in May of last year to help Canada’s Brandt Industries grow its U.S. operations just north of Normal. (Photo courtesy: HOI/ABC)

By Illinois Radio Network

SPRINGFIELD – At a time when the economy is at a standstill, a tax incentive package is being offered to one of the nation’s largest candy makers with the hope it will expand its plant in southwest Bloomington and hire dozens of new workers.

The Bloomington City Council on Monday night will be the first area governmental body to consider expanding the Bloomington-Normal and Ford County Enterprise Zone to the Ferrero plant, which makes chocolate candy at 2501 Beich Road.

The Italian firm acquired the factory in Bloomington when it bought Nestle’s U.S. confectionery business two years ago.

Ferrero would invest up to $70 million and hire 40 to 50 workers if it decides to expand the local operation, according to a memo from the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council.

The primary benefit of an enterprise zone is that the company would not have to pay sales taxes when it buys building materials.

Elected leaders last expanded the enterprise zone in May of last year to help Canada’s Brandt Industries grow its U.S. operations just north of Normal.

Heart of Illinois ABC can be reached at [email protected]. 

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