Ferrero USA announced the expansion of its industrial facility located in Franklin Township, Somerset, N.J.
The Italian-owned global confectionery company, known for its popular brands such as Nutella, Tic Tac and Kinder Joy, will undergo a $9 million expansion, bringing the facility to 67,000 square feet of packaging and warehousing capabilities.
The industrial facility will add nearly 100 local jobs and the space will be used for packaging and warehouse operations.
“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.”
Those attending the ceremony included Paul Chibe, president and CEO of Ferrero North America, 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.
Ferrero USA has invested $12 million since 2016
Ferro has invested $12 million into the Somerset facility since 2016 to ensure the launch of Kinder Joy. Since its US debut in November 2017, Kinder Joy surpassed all Ferrero and industry targets for a new product, with more than 90 million eggs sold, according to Ferrero. The success of Kinder Joy in the US has warranted an additional $9 million in investments in 2018.
Ferrero had employed up to 500 seasonal employees last year through local agencies. According to a press release, with the investments, the total number of employees is estimated to grow up to 600 seasonal employees. The location currently employs 35 salaried employees and plans to add an extra four salaried employees in 2019.
Ferrero is now the third-largest U.S. confectionery company and recently acquired U.S. chocolate company Fannie May Confections Brands, which through its Fannie May and Harry London brands provide offerings across key categories including chocolate bars, pralines and other snacks.