Ferrara to build new manufacturing plant in US

CHICAGO — Ferrara Candy Co. plans to invest $675 million to build a new manufacturing facility in Orangeburg, S.C.

Ferrara said the 750,000-square-foot production plant would mark its first facility in South Carolina and include processing and packaging operations, a warehouse for raw materials and pack materials, and an administrative office.

The first production lines in the new plant are slated to become operational in the first quarter of 2029, according to Chicago-based Ferrara, a privately held affiliate of The Ferrero Group. Ferrera said the investment will help it meet high consumer demand and bolster its leadership position in sugar confections.

“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,” said Marco Capurso, chief executive officer of Ferrara. “We are excited about the opportunity to inspire sweetness in the Palmetto State, and we are grateful to the leadership of (S.C.) Governor (Henry) McMaster, (S.C. Commerce) Secretary (Harry) Lightsey and their teams, and the Orangeburg County officials, in their partnership and effort to bring us to South Carolina.”

Overall, Ferrara operates a network of more than 30 facilities worldwide and has over 9,400 employees. Its products are sold in more than 60 countries and span over 40 brands including NERDS, SweeTARTS, Laffy Taffy, Trolli, Brach’s and Jelly Belly in the United States; Terry’s and Carambar in Europe; and Dori in Brazil.

Ferrara said the Orangeburg plant investment stands to create 1,000 manufacturing and corporate jobs over the next 10 years. South Carolina also has authorized the issuance of up to $85 million in state economic development bonds to offset the cost of acquiring the site, site improvements and related infrastructure, the company added.

“Ferrara Candy Co.’s $675 million investment in the (South Carolina) Midlands is a powerful vote of confidence in our state that will bring many new opportunities for our people,” McMaster said. “We are proud Ferrara has chosen South Carolina as a place to build their future and look forward to the company’s continued success here.”