The global confectionery company said the 169,000 square foot addition will be dedicated to producing Kinder Bueno, a popular Ferrero premium chocolate bar in Europe that launched in the US in 2019.
Construction of the expansion is projected to start by autumn 2022 and is anticipated to create up to 200 new jobs over a four-year period. The new expansion will be one of the largest production lines built by Ferrero outside of Europe, a spokesperson said.
"The investments we're making in Bloomington are fuelling continued growth for Ferrero in North America and are also creating important job opportunities in the community," said Todd Siwak, President and Chief Business Officer of Ferrero North America. "We are thrilled to continue growing here with the invaluable support of the City of Bloomington, McLean County, and the State of Illinois."
The announcement comes months after Ferrero broke ground on a chocolate processing facility at the same location, which is set to begin operating in 2023.
"Just months after Ferrero broke ground on its first-ever US chocolate processing facility in Illinois, the establishment of the Kinder Bueno production line is a testament to Illinois' talented workforce and reputation on the global stage," said Governor Jay Robert Pritzker.
"We thank Ferrero for its vote of confidence in Illinois and for bringing more opportunity and jobs to the Bloomington-Normal region."
The new line – which will manufacture Kinder Bueno bars and minis – represents the first time Kinder products will be made in North America. First launched in the market in 2019, Kinder Bueno is now a $167m brand in North America, growing more than 51% over the past year.