Bazooka Brands’ hard candy icon Ring Pop has reopened US production just six months after a surprise factory shutdown – showcasing a rare level of agility that could serve as a model for food and beverage manufacturers facing renewed pressure to reshore production amid Trump tariff threats.
The brand’s original Scranton, Pennsylvania facility closed on August 29, 2024, after 47 years of operation – sparking concerns over supply chain stability, output volumes and brand continuity. But in a swift turnaround, Bazooka secured a new site in nearby Moosic, relocated key production assets, and resumed full-scale manufacturing in just six months.
“It would not have been surprising for it to take at least a year or more to get back up and running,” says Tony Jacobs, CEO of Bazooka Brands. However, the timescale for moving from a potential stall in Ring Pop’s product manufacturing to stabilising and enhancing production rates has occurred faster than expected.
In just six months, the facility, our equipment and our team were fully operational again
Tony Jacobs, CEO of Bazooka Brands
“In a matter of weeks, they found a new location. In a matter of months, they moved our equipment. And in just six months, the facility, our equipment and our team were fully operational again,” said Jacobs.
Bazooka’s rapid renewal
The new 120,000-square-foot candy manufacturing facility is four times the size of the previous site and will enable Ring Pop to produce up to 1.5 million lollipops a day. Backed by private equity firm Apax Partners, the plant features advanced automation and upgraded efficiencies designed to support long-term growth and resilience.
With 2025 retail sales forecast to exceed $100m, Bazooka’s move signals not just recovery – but renewal.
“Rather than seeing this challenge as a setback, our team seized the opportunity to elevate operations and prepare for the brand’s exciting future,” said Jocelyn Stahl, chief of global operations. . “This isn’t just a replacement – it’s a major upgrade that will enable us to expand operations and drive Ring Pop to new heights.”
As the US food industry braces for new trade tensions, including proposed Trump-era tariffs on imported goods, Ring Pop’s rapid reshoring could become a blueprint for brands prioritising speed, flexibility and domestic production capacity.
Other confectioners opening US manufacturing hubs
● Global chocolate giant The Hershey Company opened its new 250,000-square-foot chocolate processing plant in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Marking the company’s first facility in the area in 30 years, The Reese Chocolate Processing Facility will produce chocolate for brands including Reese’s, Hershey and Kit Kat. The new build took three years to complete and is part of the confectioner’s multi-year, $1 billion (€882 million) investment.
● US chocolate manufacturer Clasen Quality Chocolate will open a new manufacturing unit in Frederick County, Maryland. The brand will invest $230m (€200m) into building the new production facility, enabling it to enhance production of its chocolate and confectionery coatings for large grocery chains and food companies.
● German confectionery packaging provider Schubert is growing its presence by expanding in Charlotte, North Carolina. Beginning construction on its latest regional facilities marks a key strategic investment for the packaging machinery company, which will increase operational capacity and improve support services.
● In April, flavour supplier Mane opened its new manufacturing facility in Woodlawn, Ohio. Its new 100,000-square-foot production site offers up to 15,000 metric tonnes of production capability, five times its current capacity. The new hub will enable Mane to increase its production capacity and ensure a consistent supply of confectionery flavourings to its US consumer base.
