HARIBO, the world’s leading manufacturer of gummi treats, finalized the acquisition of a 136.8 acre site from the Village of Pleasant Prairie on Tuesday, February 4. The land is located in Prairie Highland Corporate Park (PHCP), where the company plans to build its first-ever North American manufacturing facility.
This final closing comes after the Village of Pleasant Prairie completed land and infrastructure improvements inclusive of sewer systems, water main and roadways. As these steps were underway, HARIBO has continued to take key learnings from building manufacturing facilities around the world and incorporate them with care into its site plans in Pleasant Prairie.
“HARIBO is reaching a big milestone this year; our 100th Anniversary, so we’re excited about this next step in building our U.S. manufacturing facility as part of the celebration,” said Arndt Ruesges, Chief Production Officer. “We founded our business on the principle of quality and for the past century we’ve inspired millions of moments of childlike happiness through our sweet treats. This new factory will allow us to continue that tradition and produce gummies for our consumers for generations to come, and we appreciate the Village’s diligent partnership to help make that happen.”
HARIBO’s factory groundbreaking is set to take place later this year with construction following thereafter. The facility will produce Goldbears gummi bears and other fan-favorite HARIBO treats. This multi-phase build is projected to include a warehouse, manufacturing facility, administrative building and later on a daycare center, fitness building and a retail experience for the public.
“We believe deeply in giving back to the communities where we live and work, and we already feel that Pleasant Prairie is our home,” said Wes Saber, Chief Financial Officer, HARIBO. “We’ve recently partnered with University of Wisconsin-Parkside and Gateway Technical College on educational programming and are continuing our efforts with the Boys and Girls Club of Kenosha to help the local community support young adults in reaching their full potential.”
“We’re thrilled to close on this property and formally welcome HARIBO to our community,” said Nathan Thiel, Village Administrator. “This is a tremendous investment that will result in one of the largest confectionery manufacturing sites in North America. The development will bring hundreds of jobs from a company that is globally recognized as being an excellent place to work.”
About HARIBO
HARIBO is the world's leading manufacturer of gummi products, most famous for its beloved Goldbears. Globally, the business employs nearly 7,000 Associates and operates 16 production sites in 10 countries. A family-owned business with a century long heritage, its founder, Hans Riegel, built HARIBO on a foundation of quality and inspiring moments of childlike happiness through fun gummies. Established in 1920, HARIBO is the acronym that comprises its founder's name and the city in which the company was born (Bonn, Germany): HAns RIegel BOnn. HARIBO global headquarters is in Grafschaft, Germany and its U.S. headquarters operates out of Rosemont, Ill. For more information, visit
www.haribo.com