Zurich-based chocolate and cocoa products manufacturer Barry Callebaut Group has completed the expansion of two manufacturing facilities in the US.

The chocolate manufacturer has invested $25m in its two facilities located in American Canyon, California and Chicago, Illinois.

The company noted that American Canyon facility expansion works began last November.

As part of the expansion, Barry Callebaut has added additional moulding and liquid lines, as well as several equipment improvements.

The company anticipates that the investment will further enhance its customer base in the West Coast region.

"These investments in manufacturing and warehousing demonstrate Barry Callebaut’s continued focus on service and product availability to meet our customers’ needs."

At its Chicago facility, Barry Callebaut has added a moulding line and related infrastructure in order to improve its services for Midwest region customers.

Barry Callebaut Americas Region president Peter Boone: “These investments in manufacturing and warehousing demonstrate Barry Callebaut’s continued focus on service and product availability to meet our customers’ needs.

“As our customer base grows, we continue to invest in infrastructure to support that progress.”

Barry Callebaut has also opened a new warehouse in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, which includes more than 500,000ft² of temperature-controlled space and will be used as the main distribution hub for its business on the East Coast.

The new warehouse facility will also combine the company’s previous distribution operations and feature new technological advancements.