PONCHATOULA, La. (AP) — Elmer Chocolate's Ponchatoula plant will undergo a $40 million expansion.
The company said Tuesday the 70,000-square-foot addition will make it more efficient, versatile and competitive in the marketplace. The latest expansion will bring its total plant size in Ponchatoula, including administrative headquarters and distribution facilities, to nearly 400,000 square feet.
The expansion will create 10 new jobs at Elmer, which the Louisiana economic development department said will have an average annual salary of $42,500, plus benefits. Elmer has 164 employees in Ponchatoula. The company estimates the expansion will create 130 construction jobs.
Founded in 1855 in New Orleans as the Miller Candy Corp., Elmer Chocolate produces a variety of chocolates, caramels, truffles and crèmes, along with seasonal holiday favorites, such as Gold Brick, Heavenly Hash and Pecan Eggs.
