Haribo Plant: Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin Wins Gummy Bear Maker Facility

A new Haribo plant is coming to Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, as the German candy maker famous for gummy bears builds its first U.S. factory by 2020.

The family-owned company has sites in 10 countries and employs 7,000 people worldwide, Reuters reported.

Haribo was founded in 1920 and claims to be the “fastest-growing candymaker in the U.S.,” according to a statement.

Rick LaBerge, executive VP and COO of Haribo America, said the company had been looking for a U.S. manufacturing site over the last several years. “In an elaborate process, we examined many different sites,” LaBerge said, the National Confectioners Association reported. “We are very excited to announce this important decision today.”

The new site will be one of the largest in the candy-making industry, according to the NCA. Haribo will invest $242 million in the plant and 400 jobs will be created.

“These are well-paying jobs above market salary and they tend to offer a full benefit package,” Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker said in a news conference, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Twitter expressed its excitement about more U.S. jobs and gummy bears made right here at home.

Yet another reason to love Wisconsin! #SugarRush #GiveMeAllTheGummyBears #Haribo https://t.co/L3yup6xoWH

— Tonya Haze (@tonyahaze) March 23, 2017

Today I am going to buy some Haribo gummy bears. They are opening a manufacturing plant in Wisconsin USA! #MAGA

— Црвене Беретке (@XCrvene) March 23, 2017

#Haribo Wonder if they'll make brat, beer and cheese flavored gummies at new plant in Wisconsin?

— Chris Abbott (@WestADad) March 23, 2017

Wisconsin will host North America's first Haribo factory. This state rocks.

— Judy Skywalker (@yaboyjudy) March 23, 2017

• Gummi Bears’ Hans Riegel, Responsible for Candy’s Success, Dies at 90
• Red Skittles: Wisconsin Highway Covered With Candy Meant for Cows