USA – Ferrero USA, part of the Italian confectionery company Ferrero Group, has opened a new distribution center in Goodyear, Arizona.

The newly constructed 643,798 square feet facility is expected to officially begin operating by mid-March.

The facility adds capacity for Ferrero to distribute its growing portfolio of brands, including Butterfinger, Baby Ruth, and Crunch, throughout North America.

Ferrero said that overtime, the facility will also distribute other Ferrero brands, including Ferrero Rocher, Nutella, Tic Tac and Kinder, to support overall company growth.

In recent months, Ferrero has expanded its North American headquarters in New Jersey, opened a new distribution center in Pennsylvania, and assumed management of two manufacturing plants in Bloomington and Franklin Park, Illinois.

“Ferrero is investing in our presence and business in the US,” said Paul Chibe, President and CEO, Ferrero North America.

“We’re introducing new brands and innovations, hiring top talent, and opening state-of-the-art facilities like this new Goodyear distribution center, all of which will help us continue to fuel the confectionery category.”

The investment by Ferrero is expected to add 50 local jobs within its first year of operation and was welcomed by Mayor Georgia Lord.

“I am very pleased to welcome Ferrero USA as we work together to bring the Ferrero passion for quality, creativity, and innovation to life in Goodyear,” he said.

“Ferrero’s new location in our city helps to build a stronger community and provides job opportunities for our residents and the West Valley.”

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.

Luca Robbiano, Vice President, North America Supply Chain for Ferrero believes that the rapid development of the company’s supply chain will help drive strong growth for Ferrero.

In November last year, the Nutella, Tic Tac, and Kinder brands owner, opened a new 730,000 square-foot distribution centre in Pennsylvania to support the confectioner’s rapid growth in North America.

“Our new facilities in Pennsylvania and now Arizona represent important milestones in the expansion of our logistics capabilities in the market.”