USA – The Nutella, Tic Tac, and Kinder brands owner, Ferrero has opened a new distribution centre in Pennsylvania, USA, designed to support the confectioner’s rapid growth in North America.

The new 730,000 square-foot facility, adds capacity for Ferrero North America to distribute its growing portfolio of brands, including Baby Ruth, Butterfinger, and Crunch.

Over time, the facility, which is managed by DHL Supply Chain, will also distribute other Ferrero brands.

Paul Chibe, president and CEO, Ferrero North America said: “The new Jonestown distribution centre will play an important role in our US and North American growth plans.

“In DHL, we have the perfect partner whose best-in-class experience and technology will ensure this facility helps power Ferrero’s continued growth for years to come.”

DHL Supply Chain North America which provides warehouse services for Ferrero will manage the new distribution center, including shipment consolidation, packaging, distribution, and inventory management.

Ferrero will leverage on DHL’s digitalization capabilities, with the new facility utilizing lithium powered lifts as an energy and cost savings initiative; JDA (NTV) warehouse management system; and DHL’s proprietary MySupplyChain that provides visibility across the entire supply chain.

In addition to the lithium-powered lifts, the center features an energy-saving HVAC system and zero-waste-to-landfill practices to reduce environmental impact.

Franklin Littleton, president, consumer, DHL Supply Chain North America, said: “We were immediately attracted to Ferrero’s vision for future growth and believed our proven processes to consistently deliver predictability and cost certainty uniquely positioned us to help them increase capacity and achieve that vision.

“The addition of this new facility is an exciting and critical step in continuing to deliver on Ferrero’s growth strategy as it will bring its products to the market with even greater speed and efficiency.”

Ferrero’s new distribution center will add 225 local jobs with 75 new positions in 2019 and an additional 150 jobs by the end of 2020.