Haribo, the maker of Gold-Bears another other gummy candies, will begin manufacturing in the U.S. for the first time in 2020, the company announced Thursday.
The German confectioner indicated that it would purchase property in Kenosha County, Wis. — about 40 miles north of Chicago — and build "one of the largest facilities in the confectionery industry."
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker told reporters at a press conference that Haribo plans to invest $242 million in the project, which will create about 400 jobs when it opens in three years' time.
Haribo officials said that the site was chosen after years spent evaluating many different candidates for its first U.S. factory.
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation remains in discussions with the company about an incentive package for the plant, according to a statement from Walker's office.
"The decision to build a manufacturing facility in Wisconsin is of great importance for the Haribo Group," said managing partner Hans Guido Riegel. " Haribo of America is the fastest growing sugar confectionery business in the U.S.A., hence the strategic importance of our manufacturing facility to commence production in 2020."
