US sugar candy category leader to invest $675 million, projected to create 1,000 new jobs over 10 years
ORANGEBURG, S.C. — Ferrara Candy Company (Ferrara), a leading sugar confectioner in the United States, Brazil and Europe, today announced plans to establish its first South Carolina operation in Orangeburg County. The company’s $675 million investment is projected to create 1,000 manufacturing and corporate jobs over the next 10 years.
Headquartered in Chicago for 118 years, Ferrara operates a network of more than 30 facilities worldwide and employs more than 9,400 people. Its products are sold in over 60 countries and span a portfolio of more than 40 iconic brands including NERDS®, SweeTARTS®, Laffy Taffy®, Trolli®, Brach's®, Jelly Belly® in the U.S., Terry’s and Carambar in Europe, and Dori in Brazil. Ferrara is a privately held Ferrero-affiliated company.
Ferrara’s new operation will be located at Highway 21 and Rowesville Road in Orangeburg, where the company plans to construct a 750,000-square-foot manufacturing facility including processing and packaging, a warehouse for raw and pack materials, and an administrative office. The investment will support Ferrara’s high level of consumer demand and strengthen its position as a leader in sugar confections.
The first production lines in the new facility are expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2029. Individuals interested in joining the Ferrara team should visit readySC’s recruitment website, https://ferrara.readyscjobs.com/. Companies interested in becoming a supplier or vendor for Ferrara should complete the online interest form. After the Joint Bond Review Committee recommended approval, the State Fiscal Accountability Authority authorized the issuance of General Obligation State Economic Development Bonds in a principal amount not exceeding $85 million to offset the cost of acquiring the site, site improvements and related infrastructure. The Coordinating Council for Economic Development also approved job development credits related to the project.
QUOTES
“Our new Orangeburg facility represents a major step forward in transforming Ferrara’s manufacturing scale and capability, positioning the company for long-term global leadership. We are excited about the opportunity to inspire sweetness in the Palmetto State, and we are grateful to the leadership of Governor McMaster, Secretary Lightsey and their teams, and the Orangeburg County officials, in their partnership and effort to bring us to South Carolina.”
-Marco Capurso, Chief Executive Officer, Ferrara Candy Company “Today marks a transformative moment for Orangeburg County and all of South Carolina. Ferrara Candy Company’s $675 million investment in the Midlands is a powerful vote of confidence in our state that will bring many new opportunities for our people. We are proud Ferrara has chosen South Carolina as a place to build their future and look forward to the company’s continued success here.” -Henry McMaster, Governor, State of South Carolina
“We are excited to welcome Ferrara Candy Company to the Palmetto State. This milestone investment in Orangeburg County, as well as the addition of 1,000 new quality jobs in South Carolina, is set to transform the community, strengthen the workforce and fuel economic prosperity for generations to come.”
-Harry M. Lightsey III, Secretary of Commerce, South Carolina Department of Commerce
“Orangeburg County is excited to add Ferrara Candy Company to a growing list of international companies that have discovered the advantages we offer business and industry. We look forward to partnering with them as we strive together to make our community a better place to live and work.”
- Johnnie Wright, Chairman, Orangeburg County Council
“Ferrara Candy Company’s $675 million investment and the creation of 1,000 jobs mark a significant moment for Orangeburg County. This is the kind of project that expands opportunities for our residents and strengthens what we’re able to support as a county. We’ve put in the work to be ready for an investment of this scale, and we will continue doing our part to ensure it delivers long-term benefits for the people of Orangeburg County.”
- Harold Young, County Administrator, Orangeburg County
(continued)
“Ferrara’s decision to locate in Orangeburg County reflects the strength of our workforce, infrastructure and collaborative economic development efforts. This investment will create meaningful opportunities for our residents and further position our community as a competitive destination for advanced manufacturing. We are proud to support Ferrara as they establish operations here and look forward to the long-term impact this project will have on our local economy.” – Ken Middleton, Chairman, Orangeburg County Development Commission
"The City of Orangeburg's Department of Public Utilities is proud that this transformational company has chosen our community. We have prepared for this day by making significant investments in our infrastructure in the area of their planned location. Our team, in coordination with their consultants, has spent countless hours making sure that the DPU was the perfect choice for this project. We believe this announcement to be one of many future successes for our community. The DPU is committed to being ready, willing and able to assist state, county, and local development in coordinating with various projects to better understand the value of locating here. We truly welcome them to Orangeburg and look forward to a long and prosperous partnership."
- Warren Harley, General Manager, Orangeburg Department of Public Utilities
FIVE FAST FACTS
• Ferrara Candy Company (Ferrara) selects Orangeburg County for its first South Carolina operation.
• The company’s $675 million investment is projected to create 1,000 new jobs over 10 years.
• Ferrara is a leading global manufacturer of sugar confections, under well-known brands such as NERDS®, SweeTARTS®, Laffy Taffy®, Trolli®, Brach's® and Jelly Belly® in the U.S., Terry’s and Carambar in Europe, and Dori in Brazil.
• The company will be located at Highway 21 and Rowesville Road in Orangeburg, S.C.
• Individuals interested in joining the Ferrara team should visit readySC’s recruitment website.
About S.C. Commerce
Welcome to South Carolina. The new headquarters of American innovation. As the state's lead economic development agency, the South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) works to recruit and support companies of all sizes in their quest to launch, expand and build a legacy. With proactive, strategic initiatives that help the agency create economic opportunities to increase choices for all South Carolinians, S.C. Commerce champions new and existing businesses and partnerships that fuel emerging and established industries alike. S.C. Commerce is the principal collaborator for SC NEXUS, a consortium of state leaders in government, utilities, higher education and other stakeholders exploring advanced energy. Recognized for its pro-business climate and policies that have attracted global brands and industry leaders, South Carolina is committed to maintaining the state’s long-term competitiveness while
building a modern economy — one that is diverse, supporting businesses at every phase of their lifecycle — allowing people to live and work where they love. For more information, visit
www.sccommerce.com.
S.C. COMMERCE MEDIA CONTACT:
Alex Clark
Deputy Director of Communications
South Carolina Department of Commerce
(803) 734-4467
aclark@sccommerce.com
www.SCcommerce.com
About Ferrara® For more than 115 years, Ferrara has created sugar confections that enable moments of sweetness, celebration, and connection for candy lovers of all generations. Today, the company is a leading sugar confectioner in the United States, Brazil, and Europe, with global sales in more than 60 countries. Ferrara boasts a passionate team of more than 9,400 employees creating and delivering hundreds of products sold under 40+ popular brands. Brach's®, Jelly Belly®, NERDS®, SweeTARTS®, Laffy Taffy®, and Trolli® are enjoyed by more than 91 million U.S. households annually. In Brazil, popular snacking products from Dori include brands such as Dori, Gomets, Pettiz, and Yogurte 100. Iconic candy and chocolate brands of Carambar & Co. have earned generations of loyal customers throughout Europe, including Carambar, Krema, and Terry’s. Ferrara's success in industry-leading innovation has been driven by deep consumer insights, strong retailer partnerships, and a dedication to diversity of thought, experience, and people. The company has its global headquarters in Chicago and more than 30 facilities across the world. Ferrara is a privately held Ferrero-affiliated company. Learn more at www.ferrara.com or https://www.linkedin.com/company/ferrara-/.
FERRARA MEDIA CONTACT: Blair Klein
Vice President, Institutional Affairs & Corporate Communications
Ferrara Candy Company press@ferrara.com www.ferrara.com
About Orangeburg County Development Commission
The Orangeburg County Development Commission (OCDC) is the primary economic development agency for Orangeburg County, South Carolina, advancing initiatives that position the county as a competitive destination for business growth and investment. Serving as a central hub for economic development, OCDC collaborates with a broad network of stakeholders—including industry leaders, government entities, site selectors, educational institutions, and workforce partners—at every level. Core functions include business recruitment, business retention and expansion,
infrastructure development, workforce development, site readiness, data research, and marketing. Learn more at
www.ocdc.com.
ORANGEBURG COUNTY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MEDIA CONTACT:
Ciara Williams
Business Recruitment & Marketing Manager
Orangeburg County Development Commission
803-536-3333
cwilliams@ocdc.com
www.ocdc.com
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