GCB Cocoa UK, which bought the site for a reported £8.25m, said work has already started on the former Philips Avent facility in Glemsford, Suffolk that made infant formula before it closed in July,
The new plant will produce cocoa butter, cocoa powder, liquor and chocolate and is working with Clegg Food Projects to redevelop the 17-acre site that will include new access, car parking, manufacturing facilities, warehousing and a biomass boiler to supply renewable energy for the production process.
Brian Bowen, general manager at GCB Cocoa UK, said: “We are very pleased to have appointed Clegg Food Projects as our Principal Contractor. Their understanding of what we need to achieve and the solutions they have provided will significantly assist in helping GCB create its manufacturing footprint in the UK.”
The factory will also feature solar panels and electric car charging points and the move to the UK market will be a significant investment and creating up to 150 jobs in the local area.
South Suffolk MP James Cartlidge said it was "fantastic" news.
Oliver Jenkins, business development manager at Clegg Food Projects, said: “We are delighted that GCB appointed us to oversee and construct its new factory as it enters into the UK market for the first time.
“GCB’s vision is to be a market-leading cocoa supplier and the new factory will feature efficient and sustainable processing equipment to help make this a reality. The new factory will bring jobs to the area and will hopefully just be the beginning for GCB as they grow into the UK market and wider.”