Ferrero North America, part of the global confectionery leader Ferrero Group, has officially launched its new Kinder Bueno production facility in Bloomington, Illinois. This $214 million investment is set to create around 200 new jobs, further supporting Ferrero’s growth in the U.S. market. The grand opening was marked by the presence of Bloomington Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe, other officials, and representatives from Walmart, highlighting the retailer’s ongoing commitment to bolstering U.S. manufacturing.
Attendees at the event included Ferrero leadership and key Walmart representatives. Pictured in the front row were Federico Forti, Ferrero’s VP of Industrial Operations; Erin Ross, Sales Director; Jim Klein, Chief Customer Officer; Michael Lindsey, President and Chief Business Officer of Ferrero North America; Bloomington Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe; Illinois State Representative Sharon Chung; Illinois State Senator Sally Turner, and other prominent figures.
The new 169,000-square-foot facility expands Ferrero’s existing manufacturing presence in Bloomington, where products like CRUNCH, 100 Grand, and Raisinets are already produced. This new production plant is also Ferrero’s first-ever chocolate factory outside of Europe.
“This project enhances Ferrero’s momentum and innovation within the U.S. market,” said Michael Lindsey. “Kinder Bueno quickly became a consumer favorite after launching just five years ago. With support from the Illinois community, the city of Bloomington, and our retail partners like Walmart, the brand is set to continue thriving.”
Kinder Bueno, introduced to the U.S. in 2019, has become a leading chocolate brand, ranking 17th in sales and generating over $214 million in retail revenue in the past year. The Kinder product family, which includes Kinder Joy, Kinder Chocolate, and seasonal items, has grown into a $500 million brand in the U.S. since 2017.
“Ferrero’s commitment to American manufacturing supports job creation and workforce development,” said Jason Fremstad, Walmart’s Senior Vice President of Supplier Development. “We are proud to back suppliers making investments that benefit local communities and the broader economy.”
In addition to the new factory, Ferrero announced a $10,000 donation to Heartland Community College’s Advanced Manufacturing Center, reinforcing its partnership with the college. The partnership includes an apprenticeship program that trains Ferrero employees to become certified maintenance technicians.
Bloomington Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe praised Ferrero’s ongoing contributions, stating, “Ferrero’s investments are driving incredible growth in our community, and I’m eager to see what we achieve next.”
This new facility adds to Ferrero’s expanding footprint in North America. Along with the Bloomington campus, Illinois is home to Ferrero’s first North American Innovation Center and R&D Labs in Chicago. The company also operates plants in Franklin Park, Illinois; Brantford, Ontario; and other locations across Georgia, Kentucky, Ohio, Arizona, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
