ROSEMONT, ILL. — German candy maker HARIBO announced the groundbreaking for its first North American manufacturing facility in Pleasant Prairie, Wis. The 500,000-square-foot plant will expand the company’s global manufacturing network and marks HARIBO’s largest capital investment to date.

The first phase of construction is scheduled to be completed in late 2022. The facility initially will produce the company’s Goldbears candies, with more products to follow.

“We are thrilled to be part of the Pleasant Prairie community and bring economic growth to the Midwest," said Wes Saber, chief financial officer, Haribo of America. "In addition to our over $300 million investment, we're creating up to 385 direct HARIBO jobs in phase one and up to 4,200 indirect jobs upon completion of our full build.”

Established in 1920, HARIBO employs nearly 7,000 people and operates 16 production sites in 10 countries. The company’s name is an acronym comprising the founder’s name, Hans Riegel, and the city in which the company was founded, Bonn, Germany. HARIBO has global headquarters in Grafschaft, Germany, and US headquarters in Rosemont.

"What started in a family kitchen in Germany is now sold in over 100 countries around the world, and it's a momentous occasion for us to be able to celebrate the start of our US manufacturing at the same time we're celebrating our 100-year anniversary," said Hans Guido Riegel, managing partner of the HARIBO Group. "With this substantial investment, we're strategically setting our business up for long-term growth in the US, and we are looking forward to a bright future."