FONA International, purchased by McCormick & Company in 2020, has broken ground on a multimillion-dollar manufacturing expansion at its facility in Geneva, Illinois.
The expansion creates an additional 15,600 sq. ft. of manufacturing space and highlights McCormick and FONA’s commitment to high-tech manufacturing.
McCormick and FONA leadership attended the event, as well as members of the Geneva-area community, including Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns, State Senator Karina Villa and members of Chambers of Commerce from Geneva, St. Charles, and Batavia, among others.
Brendan Foley, McCormick president of global consumer – Americas and Asia, discussed McCormick’s commitment to the community and the future of flavor at the event. He highlighted the similarities in values and culture that the now-united organizations share.
“There’s a history of involvement in the community [at FONA], just like there is with McCormick in every community where we live and work,” Foley said. “FONA is certainly a great example of that. Today’s announcement is an example of our continued investment in the Fox Valley area.”
FONA’s site expansion represents the exciting role FONA plays in the future of McCormick. This undertaking will allow FONA and McCormick to deliver higher service, quality and growth promises for customers.
“As we look to this important milestone in our growth, we must make sure we continue to serve our customers with distinction, because fundamentally, that’s really what it’s all about: Our ability to differentiate ourselves in the marketplace,” said Suzanne Roy, general manager, North America Flavor, McCormick. “As we combine our capabilities, we’re already reaping the benefits and deepening our relationships with our customers.”
At the event, TJ Widuch, FONA executive v.p. of order fulfillment, also discussed FONA’s focus on high-tech manufacturing. He noted that FONA’s manufacturing footprint increase will create additional jobs.
“This vision of expanding our business will allow FONA to continue to grow flavors and provide great job opportunities in the Fox Valley area,” Widuch said.
Fortune recently named FONA the No. 2 Best Place to Work in Manufacturing and Production, and the company has won awards for employee culture and quality.
“Here in Geneva, we love awards. That’s part of who we are,” Widuch said. “And this 15,000 sq. ft. manufacturing space will provide more space to allow for faster turnaround time and faster lead times for our customers to get orders out the door. This expansion is about (being) a growth engine for McCormick for many many years to come.”
Schramm Construction of St. Charles, Illinois, will lead work on the expansion.
