US – Haribo Group, one of the fastest growing confectionery brand in North America, has launched the construction of its first-ever manufacturing plant in the US.
Based in Bonn, Germany HARIBO GmbH & Co. KG, is a market leader for fruit gum and licorice products in Europe and has market share of about 60 percent in Germany.
It makes over 200 other chewy sweets, including fruit gum products, licorice, marshmallow candies, chewing gum, and so-called Kaubonbons–chewy candy with the texture of gum that dissolves in the mouth.
The company plans to invest over US$300 million in the project which it says is the largest in its 100-year history.
Upon commissioning the company says that the new factory will create 385 jobs and a further 4200 indirect jobs.
“As we are embarking on building one of the largest facilities in the confectionery industry, this location provides ideal conditions to further grow Haribo’s successful business in the USA,” said Wes Saber, Executive Vice President and CFO at Haribo America.
The new manufacturing site will be located in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, on a the 136.8-acre facility and is expected to enhance the company’s speed and production efficiency.
“Our customers and consumers in the US expect us to deliver the Haribo products they love quickly and reliably. With the new plant, we are living up to this responsibility.”
Hans Guido Riegel – managing partner of the Haribo Group
Haribo said it had signed an agreement with an enterprise zone agreement with the state in which the company will be entitled to US$22.5 million worthy of tax credits.
Hans Guido Riegel, managing partner of the Haribo Group, said: “The strategic decision to build a manufacturing facility in North America is of great importance to the Haribo Group, and we are thrilled to take this next important step in the process.”
Riegel further noted that the company’s new production facility will support continued long-term growth while also allowing us to be part of the Pleasant Prairie community.
“Our customers and consumers in the US expect us to deliver the Haribo products they love quickly and reliably. With the new plant, we are living up to this responsibility.”
Haribo said in a statement that the construction on the factory will begin later this year, though no official date was given for the opening of the new facility.
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