US based Ferrara Candy Company is set to increase the manufacturing capacity and capabilities of its manufacturing facility in Bellwood, Illinois.
In addition, the company is also planning to open a new packaging centre in Bolingbrook. The new development follows Ferrara's move into a new 750,000ft2 facility in April 2014.
These improvements to Ferrara's manufacturing network are expected to create more than 100 jobs in the Chicago metropolitan area over the next 18 months.
Ferrara Candy Company CEO Todd Siwak said: "The enhancement of our Bellwood facility and opening of the new Bolingbrook packaging center reflect Ferrara's growth and our efforts to ensure that the company's resources are best positioned to meet our customers' needs.
"We remain focused on continuing this positive momentum and building on our successful track record of delivering sweet treats that consumers love, growing our business, enhancing operations and gaining market share."
Ferrara's improvements plan in the Chicago region support Walmart's commitment to purchase an additional $250bn in products supporting US jobs by 2023, the company stated.
As part of this initiative, Ferrara would produce a full line of candy products in Chicago that will be sold in Walmart stores across the country.
