Bolingbrook's industrial scene got sweeter after Ferrara Candy Company decided to open a new packaging center to go along with its existing 750,000-square-foot facility.

The company announced Monday its plans to expand the Bolingbrook facility and upgrade a facility in Bellwood to increase its manufacturing capabilities in Illinois for candy products sold in Wal-Mart stores.

"Today's announcement is an important milestone in Ferrara's strategy to optimize our manufacturing capabilities and network," Ferrara Chief Executive Officer Todd Siwak said in a news release.

The expansions are expected to create more than 100 new jobs in the Chicago metropolitan area over the next 18 months, according to the release. The release also said the expansion is in large part due to the partnership between Ferrara and Wal-Mart.

The Bolingbrook addition will increase the existing distribution facility to 1 million square feet, according to the release.

Bolingbrook Mayor Roger Claar said Ferrara was just one of many businesses expanding in the village. The existing Ferrara facility was originally built as a Home Depot, he said.

"We're thrilled they're expanding and adding a packaging division," Claar said. "We're also thrilled they want to buy and do as much in America as possible."

 

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