Ferrara Candy Company is to build its seventh manufacturing site in the US amid a "high level of consumer demand" for its confectionery.
The Nerds and Trolli brands owner plans to invest $675m on the site on Orangeburg County in South Carolina.
Once fully operational, the site is expected to employ around 1,000 full-time staff.
Ferrara expects the first production lines to be up and running in the first quarter of 2029. The 750,000-square-foot facility will supply customers in the US, Canada and Mexico.
Ferrara CEO Marco Capurso said: “Our new Orangeburg facility represents a major step forward in transforming Ferrara’s manufacturing scale and capability, positioning the company for long-term global leadership.”
Brands made the site including Nerds, Trolli and Black Forest.
"Through acquisitions and strong brand performance, Ferrara has grown significantly in recent years," Ferrara said in a statement provided to Just Food. "As we continue to evolve as a global leader in sugar confections, we are expanding our industrial footprint and manufacturing capabilities, allowing us to focus on what we make today, and preparing us to meet our needs and anticipated future consumer demand."
The South Carolina state government is backing the project with incentives. Officials have authorised "general obligation state economic development bonds" of up to $85m to offset site acquisition, improvements and related infrastructure.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster said: “Ferrara Candy Company’s $675m investment in the Midlands is a powerful vote of confidence in our state that will bring many new opportunities for our people.”
Ferrara operates more than 30 facilities globally and sells confectionery in more than 60 countries. Its brands also include Laffy Taffy, Jelly Belly, Carambar and Dori in Brazil.
Ferrara, while not owned by Ferrero Group, operates as an affiliated entity under the same ultimate control as the Italian giant.
Late last year, a European holding company for Ferrara acquired French sweets maker CPK Group from investment firm Eurazeo.
