Ferrero Canada announced Friday an almost $26 million investment at its already huge Brantford plant which will create more than 100 new jobs and for funds into 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 become 24-7.
“We are a leader in Europe but, definitely, for us, North America is a very strategic and important market,” said Fabrizio Secco, the plant manager in Brantford.
Increasing production means adding about 124 skilled and semi-skilled jobs to the facility at 1 Ferrero Blvd., the Canadian heart of the Ferrero Group, which is one of the largest confectionery companies in the world.
Brantford’s plant supplies most of the Ferrero products across North America, also producing Tic Tac products.
Secco added that there’s still plenty of room for expansion on the large lot owned by the firm.
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.
It will also for 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.”
Secco said the firm is proud to be part of Brantford and proud of its 1,300-plus employees, a number which makes it the largest employer in the area. The company is ready to hire more workers.
Will Bouma, who made the announcement of Ontario’s investment in the work, thanked Ferrero for being “an anchor in our community.”
“This is a great example of the power of strategic public-private investments,” said Bouma. “It’s companies like yours we are excited to be part of.”
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.
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