HARIBO of America is planning to begin work on its new "gummy production campus" this year in Pleasant Prairie, which means Wisconsin is really going to be upping its gummy game.
“HARIBO is the fastest growing confectionery brand in the U.S. I’m proud that its products will be made right here in Wisconsin,” said Gov. Tony Evers in a statement on Monday.
“We warmly welcome HARIBO to a long list of family-run enterprises that form the economic backbone of our state, making best-in-class products that reach every corner of the globe.”
The gummy factory will be the first in North America for the German-born HARIBO confectionery company.
“HARIBO’s commitment to quality, excellence and joy makes it precisely the kind of company we want and can well support in Wisconsin,” added Missy Hughes, Secretary & CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), in Monday's statement.
“The company is a perfect fit with our food production tradition, and joins an enviable roster of iconic consumer brands that call Wisconsin home.”
In addition to gummy bears, HARIBO also makes gummy worms, happy cola, gummy snakes, sour Goldbears and other chewy delights.
The company's sweet (and sour) commitment makes up for the fact that Jelly Belly closed its distribution center and store, which also offered a fun tour, this year. Jelly Belly did not manufacture its jelly beans in Wisconsin.
Another maker of gummy candies, Albanese's, is based nearby Merrillville, Indiana, just outside Chicago.
Chicago will soon sit on the Haribo-Albanese Divide https://t.co/5WDbwJQWTj — Jenny Pfäfflin (@jennypfafflin) October 26, 2020
“Kenosha County is pleased to be the future home of HARIBO’s production facility,” said Jim Kreuser, Kenosha County Executive. “A company like HARIBO, with its manufacturing legacy and engagement as an outstanding corporate citizen, is already an important part of our community. Kenosha County looks forward to becoming an integral part of the next chapter in HARIBO’s story.”
The company announced its $242 million plan to develop the 136.8-acre site in 2017. GIlbane has been selected to build the facility.
“HARIBO is a great partner and a pivotal addition to Prairie Highlands Corporate Park, and we’re excited to see the momentum behind this development,” added Nathan Thiel, Administrator, Village of Pleasant Prairie. “HARIBO is making a significant investment in Pleasant Prairie that will benefit the local economy. The Village is thrilled with the progress made and is eager to see the facility start to take shape.”
Southeastern Wisconsin continues to be an important destination for global corporate investment. “We’re truly delighted that HARIBO’s production campus will soon be taking shape along I-94 in southeastern Wisconsin,” said Gale Klappa, Co-chair, Milwaukee 7 and Executive Chairman, WEC Energy Group. “HARIBO is the latest in a long line of companies making 9-figure investments in our region. We’re proud to welcome HARIBO’s famous and beloved Goldbear to Wisconsin.”
Let's hope this means we can all finally have easier access to Sour S'ghetti.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he lived until he was 17, Bobby received his BA-Mass Communications from UWM in 1989 and has lived in Walker's Point, Bay View, Enderis Park, South Milwaukee and on the East Side.
He has published three non-fiction books in Italy – including one about an event in Milwaukee history, which was published in the U.S. in autumn 2010. Four more books, all about Milwaukee, have been published by The History Press.
With his most recent band, The Yell Leaders, Bobby released four LPs and had a songs featured in episodes of TV's "Party of Five" and "Dawson's Creek," and films in Japan, South America and the U.S. The Yell Leaders were named the best unsigned band in their region by VH-1 as part of its Rock Across America 1998 Tour. Most recently, the band contributed tracks to a UK vinyl/CD tribute to the Redskins and collaborated on a track with Italian novelist Enrico Remmert.
He's produced three installments of the "OMCD" series of local music compilations for OnMilwaukee.com and in 2007 produced a CD of Italian music and poetry.
In 2005, he was awarded the City of Asti's (Italy) Journalism Prize for his work focusing on that area. He has also won awards from the Milwaukee Press Club.
He has be heard on 88Nine Radio Milwaukee talking about his "Urban Spelunking" series of stories, in that station's most popular podcast.
