Ferrara Candy Company Enhances Manufacturing Network, Creating New Jobs In Chicago Area

CHICAGO, March 30, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Ferrara Candy Company today announced a series of enhancements to its manufacturing network, including increasing the manufacturing capacity and capabilities of its Bellwood, IL manufacturing facility, and opening a new packaging center in Bolingbrook, IL.

These enhancements, which include a robust infrastructure build-out and introduction of state-of-the-art technology, are expected to create over 100 jobs in the Chicago metropolitan area over the next 18 months. The expansion at Bolingbrook follows Ferrara's move into a new 750,000 square-foot facility in April 2014.

Ferrara's planned network enhancements in the Chicago region support Walmart's commitment to purchase an additional $250 billion in products supporting U.S. jobs by 2023. Ferrara intends to produce a full line of candy products in Chicago that will be sold in Walmart stores across the country. While Ferrara has supplied U.S.-produced confectionery items to Walmart for many years, this partnership will enable Ferrara to manufacture an even greater range of American products. The company expects the U.S.-made Ferrara candies to be available in Walmart stores this summer. The initiative further expands the longstanding relationship between Ferrara and Walmart. In February 2015, Ferrara was selected by Walmart as their food division Made in the USA Supplier of the Year.

"Today's announcement is an important milestone in Ferrara's strategy to optimize our manufacturing capabilities and network," said Todd Siwak, Chief Executive Officer of Ferrara Candy Company. "The enhancement of our Bellwood facility and opening of the new Bolingbrook packaging center reflect Ferrara's growth and our efforts to ensure that the company's resources are best positioned to meet our customers' needs. We remain focused on continuing this positive momentum and building on our successful track record of delivering sweet treats that consumers love, growing our business, enhancing operations and gaining market share."

"We are thrilled to expand our collaboration with Walmart in a way that fuels job creation in our hometown region and puts even more U.S.-made products on store shelves," continued Mr. Siwak. "Walmart has been an excellent partner for many years, and we share a commitment to driving domestic manufacturing growth and providing customers with high quality products at a great value."

"Suppliers like Ferrara are making a significant impact in communities across the country and creating much-needed U.S. jobs," Cindi Marsiglio, vice president of U.S. manufacturing for Walmart. "We are excited to begin offering these products to our customers in our stores beginning this summer."

"Ferrara's enhancement of its Bellwood facility and opening of its Bolingbrook packaging center is yet another example of why we believe the revitalization of U.S. manufacturing is possible," said Joe Grady, Vice President Confections & Impulse at Walmart. "Ferrara has been a great partner of ours at Walmart, and we are excited to deepen our relationship and work together to benefit the communities we serve and operate in. This is a great illustration of what can be accomplished when business leaders, companies and local governments work together, and we're excited those efforts will create meaningful job growth in the U.S.A."

About Ferrara Candy Company, Inc.

Headquartered in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., Ferrara Candy Company is a rapidly growing, leading innovator in the candy and snack industry, created by the merger of Ferrara Pan Candy Company, Inc. and Farley's & Sathers Candy Company, Inc. in 2012. The Company manufactures a robust and diverse portfolio of branded and private label pure fun candy, better-for-you snacks, and proactive health gummy supplements that consumers love. For more information, please visit the company's website, www.ferrarausa.com.

Contact

Ferrara:         
Eric Brielmann / Andi Rose / Alyssa Cass        
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher      
212.355.4449

SOURCE Ferrara Candy Company, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.ferrarausa.com