Minneapolis-based Cargill will continue to take steps in early 2016 to improve and expand its chocolate, compound and chocolate liquor production offerings and services for North American food and beverage companies.
In January, Cargill will close its Broad Street plant in Lititz, PA, and shift production from the facility to other, more modern and efficient plants in Mount Joy, Lititz (W. Lincoln Ave.) and Hazleton, PA; Milwaukee; and Ontario, Canada.
Also in January, the company will centralize its North American Cocoa and Chocolate leadership, administrative and customer-focused roles in Milwaukee and Minneapolis. Previously, these functions were based in Lititz and other locations throughout North America. Cargill’s Milwaukee facility features extensive production and product development capabilities and an expansive, modern office space. Minneapolis is home to Cargill’s corporate headquarters, and this move will bring its North American Cocoa and Chocolate business closer to the company’s administrative, marketing, and research and development resources.
As a result of these changes, approximately 130 jobs—mostly in Lititz—will be eliminated, effective in January. Approximately 30 additional employees will be reassigned or offered relocation options at one of Cargill’s other North American cocoa and chocolate sites.
“These are very difficult decisions, especially when they involve people who have done such great work for us over the years,” says Cargill Cocoa and Chocolate North America president, Bryan Wurscher. “We are committed to helping those who are impacted find other employment and assist them with this transition.”
The historic Wilbur Chocolate Candy Americana Museum and Candy Store in Lititz will remain open. Cargill will continue to employ approximately 2,200 employees in its Cocoa and Chocolate and other businesses throughout Pennsylvania.