Ferrero plans $75M expansion in Bloomington for chocolate factory

Posted on November 19, 2020
Ferroro will expand on its existing plant located on Beich Road. (Photo courtesy: Heart of Illinois ABC)

By Heart of Illinois ABC

BLOOMINGTON – The third largest confectionary company in the world is planning a $75 million chocolate factory in Bloomington.

Ferroro will expand on its existing plant located on Beich Road. Work is set to begin in the spring of 2021 and the new facility will employ about 50 workers, according to the company’s announcement.

The City of Bloomington Council, Town of Normal Council, McLean County Board, Gibson City Council, and Ford County Board approved an Enterprise Zone amendment to compete for Ferrero’s project earlier this year, the company said.

Ferrero entered the U.S. market in 1969 with Tic Tac mints and also produces Nutella, Kinder, Butterfinger, Crunch, Baby Ruth, Raisinets and other legendary chocolate brands.

“This is wonderful news for our City and our region,” said Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner in a statement. “We are grateful Ferrero chose Bloomington, Illinois for Ferrero’s first North American chocolate factory! A fantastic economic development project and a great testament to our community.”

Heart of Illinois ABC can be reached at [email protected]. 

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