Italian chocolate maker Ferrero announces a major expansion at the Bloomington plant

Posted on June 13, 2022
Ferroro will expand on its existing plant located on Beich Road. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)

By Blake Haas

BLOOMINGTON – For the second time this year, Italian chocolate maker Ferrero plans another expansion of roughly $214 million.

The 169,000 square-foot expansion expects to create up to 200 jobs and be home to the only North American plant to produce Kinder Bueno.

“The ability to make Kinder Bueno right here in the heart of North America’s food and confection industry ensures we are able to build on this tremendous momentum and meet growing demand,” added Todd Siwak, President and Chief Business Officer of Ferrero North America.

Just 8-months ago, the chocolate factory, known for producing Tic Tacs, Crunch, Nutella, and other chocolatey sweets, announced a $50 million investment into the Bloomington plant.

“This expansion is testament to Illinois’ quality workforce and reputation on the national stage,” Gov. Pritzker said

According to Siwak, construction is expected to begin in the fall, with a projected opening day of 2024.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

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