Elmer Chocolate invests $40m in Louisiana plant expansion

Elmer Chocolate is aiming to be ‘the most efficient gift chocolate manufacturer in the world’ as it announces plans to add 70,000 square-foot to its production site in Ponchatoula.

The company, the second-largest Valentine box chocolate manufacturer in North America, will add 10 new jobs to its 164 existing employee base.

The expansion will take the factory to nearly 400,000 square feet, including administrative headquarters and distribution facilities. Money will be spent on new production technology.

Elmer Chocolate is a family-owned company that was founded as the Miller Candy Corporation in 1855, It produces chocolates, caramels, truffles and crèmes, along with seasonal brands Gold Brick, Heavenly Hash and Pecan Eggs. The company’s Easter range has listing at retailers such as Walmart, Walgreens and Sam’s Club.