FAIRFIELD, Calif. -- As part of a strategic realignment of the U.S. domestic business Jelly Belly Candy Co. has announced plans to consolidate Jelly Belly confectionery manufacturing in the company's Fairfield, Calif., headquarters and a workforce reduction at the Jelly Belly North Chicago, Ill., manufacturing facility.
Jelly Belly North Chicago will continue operations with a reduced workforce dedicated to private-label and contract confectionery manufacturing.
"The decision to consolidate U.S. manufacturing of branded Jelly Belly candy products in California was evaluated over quite some time and with considerable deliberation for all possible options. The synergies of consolidating operations and manufacturing will help the company position the business for growth and opportunity. By realigning for long-term business development, the company is targeting growth potential in private-label and contract production services," the company said.
"Eliminating positions is a difficult decision to make," company president Bob Simpson said. "This move to private-label manufacturing is a forward-thinking step for the best deployment of the Illinois facility and the company overall."
The move will eliminate approximately 66 jobs, said the company. Workers whose positions have been eliminated will receive outplacement services to help transition to new employment, and will be invited to explore transfer opportunities at other locations in the company.
Jelly Belly Candy, formerly known as Goelitz Confectionery Co., has been making candy at the Illinois plant for a century. First built in 1913, the North Chicago plant celebrated 100 years of candy making last year. The company is managed by the fourth, fifth and sixth generations of the Goelitz family.
The company makes Jelly Belly jelly beans in more than 100 flavors, with a frequently changing array of new flavors and limited editions.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.