Blommer Chocolate Company has made the decision to close its Chicago manufacturing facility, in a decision that it says is part of its evolving business strategy. The Chicago facility is the original manufacturing plant of the Blommer plant.
The location and age of the Chicago facility coupled with increasing repair and maintenance of the building and equipment has elevated operating costs and created production reliability issues. The corporate headquarters, Applications Lab and New Research & Development Center will remain in downtown Chicago at the Merchandise Mart to continue the company’s legacy.
Fuji will invest in R&D by expanding the lab capabilities in Chicago Merchandise Mart. The new R&D Center will support future development, concept testing, processing and ingredient research, continued application evaluation and creation to enhance the customer experience. It supports the company’s continued technical mission of bringing creative solutions to their customers. The R&D Center will open in autumn 2024.
“It was an incredibly challenging yet inevitable decision to close the Chicago plant. However, in order to propel Blommer to the next level, we must embrace progress, transformation and elevation,” said Mark Okita, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of Commercial, Blommer Chocolate Company. “Our planned expansion to the Campbellford Canada operation is the next step toward our transformation. This marks a new chapter for us as Blommer, as well as our customers. It is imperative that we challenge ourselves aggressively to ensure that this becomes the best chapter yet.”
This decision allows the company to focus their efforts and resources on the remaining manufacturing facilities of East Greenville, PA, Union City, CA, and Campbellford, Ontario and sets Blommer up for transformation and future growth. Over the next several years, Blommer will invest US$100 million in our three remaining production facilities.
“One of the major factors in the Blommer transformation is expanding our service to the specialty confectionery coating business by investing in the Campbellford facility,” commented Neil Fulton, General Manager – Campbellford.
The company will invest $60 million to make this facility one of the largest confectionery coating manufacturing facilities in North America, with the additional capacity coming online in April 20256.
Over $40 million is the combined capital investment planned for the East Greenville, PA and Union City, CA facilities. This investment will increase operational efficiency and reliability, as well as automate processing and packaging equipment.
“Blommer boasts a distinguished legacy within the industry, built upon years of invaluable experience and expertise,” said Tomoki Matsumoto, Chief Executive Officer. “Now it is time for us to evolve ourselves to the next stage. We are committed to fortifying relationships with our customers and offering sustainable tailored to their unique business needs. We promise to become the most trusted business partner for all stakeholders.”
The transformation and improvements to facilities will have Blommer poised to remain a major competitor in the high quality chocolate and specialty compound market.
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