Ferrero Canada announced a nearly $26 million investment at its plant in Brantford, Ontario, which will create more than 100 new jobs and help to support area suppliers. Supported by $1.5 million through a government development fund, the investment will further automate the state-of-the-art plant and move the production lines for Nutella, Nutella & Go and Ferrero Rocher chocolates to a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week operation, reports the Brantford Expositor.
Increasing production means adding about 124 skilled and semi-skilled jobs to the facility, which is one of the largest confectionery companies in the world. Brantford’s plant supplies most of the Ferrero products across North America, and it also produces Tic Tac products. Brantford Plant Manager Fabrizio Secco said there’s still eve more room for expansion.
The upgrades will help automate the production lines to meet the growing regional and global demand for Ferrero products and reduce the need to import products, reports the Expositor. It will also pour more funds into feeder companies that supply Ferrero.
“Currently we spend more than $146 million in materials with our suppliers and partners in Ontario,” said Secco. “With this new investment and subsequent growth, we’ll inject another $22 million in new spending with our key suppliers in the community and throughout the province.” Currently, the plant employs more than 1,300 workers, the largest employer in the area.
Mayor Kevin Davis expressed the city’s appreciation to Ferrero for being an exceptional corporate citizen. “We’ve had other big companies that have let us down and this investment gives us confidence for the future of Ferrero in Brantford,” said Davis.
In a news release, Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, also thanked Ferrero Canada for making a significant impact and contributing to Ontario’s “dynamic and growing manufacturing sector.”
Through 2019 to 2023, Ontario is investing more than $100 million in development funds to support distinct regional priorities. The program works to help local communities attract investment, diversify economics and create jobs.