Ferrara Candy’s Creston factory shutdown to impact 256 employees

Ferrara Candy has announced it will close its facility in Creston, Iowa, in mid-December this year due to low efficiency, impacting around 256 employees.

The company said the “difficult decision” was made after a “comprehensive review” of its operations.

“Over the past several years, Ferrara Candy has made significant investments in building a state-of-the-art manufacturing network to improve our production capabilities and to continue efficiently delivering our iconic, well-loved snacks and confections to consumers,” the company said in a statement.

“In a dynamic industry that is constantly evolving, and as the company continues to grow and capture market share, it is critical that we leverage our most efficient assets and invest in those state-of-the-art facilities where we have a competitive advantage and scale,” it added.

Ferrara did not comment on the factory’s production volume or the brands it produces, but said all ongoing items at Creston will be absorbed within its supply network.

The company brought its production to Creston about 30 years ago, and it said it has been “a proud part of the community”.

“Decisions that affect people are never easy and this was not one that was taken lightly,” Ferrara said.

“We are committed to offering severance and transition assistance for our affected Creston employees and we will be meeting with all representatives involved in the process, including state agencies, to accomplish that goal,” the company added.