Ferrero USA invests US$9m to expand New Jersey plant

USA – Ferrero USA, the global confectionery company known for brands such as Ferrero Rocher, Nutella, Tic Tac and Kinder Joy, announced the US$9m expansion of its industrial facility located in Franklin Township, Somerset, N.J.

According to the company, its US debut in November 2017 of Kinder Joy surpassed all Ferrero and industry targets for a new product, with more than 90 million eggs sold.

The success of Kinder Joy in the US has warranted an additional US$9 million in investments in 2018.

Since 2016, Ferrero has invested US$12 million into the Somerset facility to ensure the successful launch of Kinder Joy, an egg-shaped package that holds a sweet treat on one side and an exciting surprise toy on the other, which was previously available outside of North America.

Last year, Ferrero USA employed up to 500 seasonal employees through local agencies.

With the investments, the total number of employees is estimated to grow up to 600 seasonal employees.

The location currently employs 35 salaried employees with an additional four salaried employees expected in 2019.

Ferrero commemorated the expansion of its industrial business in Franklin Township, New Jersey.

Ferrero executives and local employees, led by Paul Chibe, President & CEO of Ferrero North America, were joined by U.S. Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman; Somerset County Freeholders Patricia Walsh and Mark Caliguire; Phillip Kramer, Mayor of Franklin Township and local business partners.

The US$9 million expansion will add nearly 100 local jobs and brings the facility to a total of 67,000 square feet of packaging and warehousing capabilities.

In attendance at the ground breaking ceremony was Paul Chibe, president and CEO of Ferrero North America, as well as New Jersey dignitaries and elected officials including U.S. Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman; Phillip Kramer, Mayor, Franklin Township; Patricia Walsh, Freeholder, Somerset County; and Michael Kerwin, president & CEO of Somerset County Business Partnership.

“We are proud to do business in Franklin Township, and we’re thrilled to be expanding our existing operations here,” said Paul Chibe, president and CEO.

“This renovation demonstrates the ongoing commitment Ferrero has to doing business in the state of New Jersey, and we’re confident this will continue to be a successful partnership for us all.”