Ferrero Group expanding its Brantford plant, 500 new jobs expected

Brantford’s largest employer will be expanding its plant.

In a news release Friday, the provincial government announced the Ferrero Group will be investing $445 million in its production facility at 1 Ferrero Boulevard. The planned upgrades will result in an additional 500 jobs and support expanded production, including Ferrero Rocher chocolate squares, the company’s first new product launch outside of Europe.

Ferrero Rocher, Nutella, Tic Tac and Kinder products are made at the Brantford facility. Nutella Biscuits are being added to the roster thanks to the expansion. It will be the first time they have been made outside of Europe.

The provincial government said it will be providing $36 million through the Invest Ontario Fund.

Ferrero is considered the largest employer in the city, with approximately 1,300 jobs. According to the company’s website, the Brantford plant is their largest facility in North America.

In recognition of the plant’s impact, the city participates in World Nutella Day on Feb. 5 every year.