Morinaga to start construction of US confectionery facility

Morinaga America Foods, the U.S. subsidiary of Japan's largest confectionery company, Morinaga & Co., is set to begin construction of its 100,000-square-foot U.S. factory in Mebane, N.C. The facility, which will produce Hi-Chew candies, is scheduled to be up and running by June 2015. Morinaga recently incorporated its newest subsidiary, Morinaga America Foods.

“We look forward to a long and prosperous partnership. We are grateful for this affirmation of our efforts to bring quality jobs and good corporate citizens to our community,” said Barry Jacobs, chairman of the Orange County Board of Commissioners. Orange County leaders worked with Durham Technical Community College, state, Mebane and utilities officials to offer Morinaga an incentives package worth more than USD 2.5 m. In return, Morinaga agreed to hire up to 90 workers, invest up to USD 48 m in land, buildings and equipment. Morinaga officials have said a future expansion is possible.

www.morinaga-america.com