ROSEMONT, ILL. — Gummi products manufacturer Haribo has opened its first production plant in North America. The 500,000-square-foot facility is located in Pleasant Prairie, Wis., and is focused on production of Haribo Goldbears.

While it is Haribo’s first US plant, it is the company’s 16th global facility, supporting production of more than 160 million Goldbears gummies every day. The company was founded in Bonn, Germany, in 1920 and today is headquartered in Grafschaft, Germany.

Haribo said the plant opening is part of the first phase of a multi-phase project that also includes an administrative building and a warehouse. Future phases will include the addition of new technology, capacity and employees, Haribo said.

Haribo first announced its intent to build in Wisconsin in March 2017.

“I started my career with Haribo more than 20 years ago, and I’m so proud to be part of the team that made the dream of a US factory come true,” said Hakan Zor, chief production officer, Haribo of America. “Our associates worked tirelessly to ensure every step was taken with care, with the best quality equipment, technology and ingredients on the market. The Haribo brand has limitless potential, and producing in the US is an exciting next chapter of our story.”