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Japanese confectionery giant Morinaga & Co has announced plans for a second manufacturing facility in North America.

The new factory will be built in Mebane, North Carolina, with an investment of over $130 million.

The facility will produce Hi-Chew confectionery to meet growing US demand and will create over 200 jobs in Orange County, North Carolina, including roles in production, quality assurance, maintenance and support.

Teruhiro Kawabe, chief representative for the USA and president, CEO of Morinaga America, said: "Hi-Chew has been steadfast in growing its market share in the US non-chocolate candy category and has achieved 20% year-over-year growth since 2018. With this tremendous brand growth year over year, we are eager to maximise our production output to continue providing new, innovative Hi-Chew products to consumers and brand fans nationwide."

The current North Carolina factory, which has been operational since 2015, produces the most Hi-Chew flavours in North America, with an annual output exceeding two billion pieces. According to the company, the new 132,633-square-foot facility will significantly boost production capacity.

The new site is expected to start construction in October 2024 and become operational by January 2027

Top image: © Morinaga & Co

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