Ferrero Breaks Ground on New $214M Kinder Bueno Production Facility

BLOOMINGTON, IL – On November 2, Ferrero North America, part of the global sweet-packaged food company Ferrero Group known for Nutella, Tic Tac, Butterfinger, and CRUNCH branded products, broke ground on its new Kinder Bueno production facility in Bloomington, Illinois.

The $214.4 million investment will add 200 new jobs to Ferrero’s existing manufacturing footprint in Bloomington. State and local leaders, including Governor JB Pritzker, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, Bloomington Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe, and Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Sylvia Garcia joined Ferrero executives in a ceremony to celebrate the milestone.

The new facility will support the North American growth of Kinder Bueno, which Ferrero launched in the market in 2019 and has since made it the #7 brand in the category, growing by 26% since last year. The expansion represents the first time Kinder products will be made in North America.

“Central Illinois sits in the heart of our nation, so it’s only fitting that it serves as the heart of Ferrero’s North American operations: CRUNCH, 100 Grand, Raisinets, and now Kinder Bueno, all made right here,” said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. “This expansion is a testament to Illinois’ quality workforce and reputation on the global stage, and especially the quality workforce right here in Central Illinois. I want to thank the entire Ferrero team for their partnership. Here’s to years of success for Ferrero and economic prosperity for the entire Bloomington-Normal metro area.”

Ghafari provided architectural and engineering design services for the bid documents associated with the production facility. Additionally, Ghafari will provide technical support and on-site construction supervision. The Austin Company is Ferrero's design-build partner responsible for the engineering and construction of the project.

The new facility, which will add 169,000 SF to Ferrero’s existing manufacturing campus in Bloomington, is slated to open in 2024.