Ferrero: opens new Innovation Center and North America R+D Labs

Parsippany / NJ. (fg) Ferrero USA Inc., part of Europe’s Ferrero Group, celebrated the opening of its new Innovation Center and North America R+D Labs in Chicago. The new 45,000 square foot facility located in the historic Marshall Field and Company Building brings together Ferrero’s R+D teams from throughout the U.S. and houses teams working on brands in the Group’s portfolio – a total of over 150 employees.

«Our new Innovation Center and R+D Labs here in Chicago reflect Ferrero’s rich heritage and will foster the creativity and culture that Ferrero known for around the world,» said Alanna Cotton, President and Chief Business Officer of Ferrero North America. «Investments like this help us create high-quality, innovative products that will become a special part of Americans’ lives and further drive category growth in confections, cookies, and beyond.»

The investment further expands Ferrero’s footprint in Illinois. The company manufactures «Butterfinger» and «Baby Ruth» products at its plant in Franklin Park, and «Keebler» products on 110th Street in Chicago. The Ferrero manufacturing campus in Bloomington manufactures «Crunch», «100 Grand», and other products, and will soon include a new chocolate processing facility and a new «Kinder Bueno» facility.

«Chicago’s innovation is not only propelling the growth of iconic global brands, but it’s also cementing our city’s reputation as a prime destination for the world’s best talent and businesses,» said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. «Congratulations to the Ferrero team on this remarkable achievement, and as a big fan of sweets, I look forward to enjoying the next generation of delicious treats that will be made in our great city.»

The ribbon cutting represents just the latest example of Ferrero’s growth and investment in North America over the past few years. In addition to new projects in Illinois, the company invested in new capacity and capabilities for its Brantford, Ontario plant earlier this year and previously added distribution centers in Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Arizona. Ferrero’s North American presence now totals more than 5,000 employees across eight offices and twelve plants and warehouses in the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean.