Italian confectionery group Ferrero has decided to build its first North American chocolate manufacturing plant in Bloomington, Illinois.

The new facility will be an expansion of Ferrero North America’s existing facility in Bloomington. It will be engaged in the production chocolate for Crunch, 100Grand, SnoCaps, Raisinets, Goobers, Ferrero Rocher, and other Ferrero products.

Ferrero Group executive chairman Giovanni Ferrero said: “As a family company, we are proud to have a long track record of investments in local manufacturing infrastructure over the last 70 years.

“We are therefore delighted to announce that construction will begin on Ferrero’s first chocolate manufacturing centre in North America – a key strategic market for us.

“This investment represents an important milestone as we continue to expand our offering of high-quality products for consumers across North America.”

Ferrero’s new manufacturing plant will be built with an investment of $75m.

Construction works for the new facility will begin in early next year and add 70,000ft² to Ferrero’s existing plant in Beich Road.

The expansion is expected to create approximately 50 local jobs.

Ferrero North America president and CEO Paul Chibe said: “I am excited about our significant investment in our Bloomington facility.

“The investment in Bloomington will enable continued growth for Ferrero in North America and will create significant opportunities for the Bloomington community. We are excited to grow in Bloomington and look forward to offering strong employment opportunities to the people of Illinois.”

In June, Ferrero opened a new distribution centre in McDonough, Georgia.