LA PORTE, IND. – The American Licorice Co., maker of the Red Vines, GrapeVines and Sour Punch licorice brands, plans to renovate its plant in La Porte. The Bend, Ore., company will invest $10 million in the project, and the expansion will include installing a licorice production line and adding a rail spur to allow for the receiving of ingredients by rail. The renovations are expected to be completed by 2015.

“American Licorice has been making candy for the past 99 years, and we look to sustain that momentum for many more,” said John Kretchmer, chief executive officer of American Licorice. “Indiana’s centralized location within the United States and its business friendly climate at the state and local levels were both contributing factors in our decision to grow at our La Porte facility.”