Haribo to build massive confectionery factory in Wisconsin

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Haribo was founded in the German city of Bonn 100 years ago. Pic: Haribo

German candy maker Haribo has announced plans to construct a new North American factory in Wisconsin that is set to become one of the largest confectionery facilities in the country creating 385 jobs then up to 4,200 ‘indirect jobs’ upon completion.

Haribo said it has bought a 130-acre piece of land in Kenosha County in South-Eastern Wisconsin and has signed an enterprise zone agreement with the state in which the company will be entitled to $22.5m worth of tax credits.

"As we are embarking on building one of the largest facilities in the confectionery industry, this location provides ideal conditions to further grow Haribo’s successful business in the USA," said Wes Saber, Executive Vice President and CFO at Haribo of America Inc.

In a statement, Wisconsin Economic Development Corp Secretary Melissa Hughes said Haribo has been making big steps despite the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. “What’s really exciting is Haribo is moving forward despite the pandemic,” she said.

"The decision to build a manufacturing facility in Wisconsin is of great importance for the Haribo Group," said Hans Guido Riegel, Managing Partner of the Haribo Group. "Haribo of America is the fastest growing sugar confectionery business in the USA, hence the strategic importance of our manufacturing facility to commence production in 2020."

Haribo said in a statement the construction on the factory will begin later this year, though no official date was given for this or the opening of the new facility.