HARIBO to build $300m confectionery facility in US

German-owned confectionery brand HARIBO is planning to build its first North American manufacturing facility in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, with a $300m investment.

The new facility will be built on a 136.8-acre area and developed in multiple phases.

HARIBO added that the new facility will be its largest in its 100-year history.

Upon completion, the site will help the company to supply its confectionery products to US customers with increased speed and efficiency.

HARIBO Group managing partner Hans Guido Riegel 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.

“HARIBO is the fastest growing confectionery brand in the US, and our 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.”

For constructing its new manufacturing facility, HARIBO selected Gilbane Building Company.

Gilbane will be responsible for all construction and work-site management.

Gilbane Building Company senior vice-president Adam Jelen said: “It’s a great honour to partner with HARIBO, and we’re so pleased we earned the team’s trust to deliver this world-class manufacturing complex.

“Like HARIBO, Gilbane is committed to quality and being part of the community. We’re looking forward to the next steps on this exciting project and to continuing our longstanding commitment to south-east Wisconsin.”

Construction works are expected to begin as early as possible this year.

In September, HARIBO reportedly planned to lay off employees working at its facilities in Castleford and Pontefract in Yorkshire, UK.

The company initiated the consultation process to decide the future of the two production facilities.