German candymaker Haribo announced on March 23, 2017, that it would build its first USA manufacturing plant in Kenosha County, Wisconsin, and planned to start production there in 2020.
The project
Gov. Scott Walker announced the project. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that Haribo would invest $242 million in the plant in Pleasant Prairie and create 400 jobs. State officials said the facility would cover about 500,000 square feet.
Haribo of America was based in Rosemont, Illinois, but the company had no USA factory. At the time, all 16 of its production plants were in Europe. The new plant would let it make gummies on USA soil.
Why Wisconsin
Rick LaBerge, COO of Haribo of America, said the company had been choosing a site for its first USA plant “for several years.” Hans Guido Riegel, managing partner of the Haribo Group, called Haribo of America “the fastest growing sugar confectionery business in the USA.”
The village of Pleasant Prairie was buying a 438-acre site for a new business park and planned to sell about 100 acres to Haribo.
FAQ
Where is the plant?
Pleasant Prairie, in Kenosha County, Wisconsin.
How large is the investment?
$242 million, with 400 jobs expected.
When was production planned to start?
In 2020, according to Haribo.
Source & credit
Source: Haribo of America via PR Newswire: “HARIBO Group Plans To Build Manufacturing Facility In Wisconsin”, March 23, 2017.
Also: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: “Gummy bear giant Haribo to build first North American plant in Pleasant Prairie with 400 jobs”; The Christian Science Monitor: Haribo report.