Hebron, Ohio, July 24 - Harry & David Holdings, Inc. today announced ground breaking on a new $16 million expansion to its Hebron, Ohio facility expanding candy, chocolate and packaging operations.
"This expansion is in response to sales growth of these products in all channels. This addition will allow us to reduce transportation costs while at the same time increasing our production to meet customer demand. We will be able to produce an additional 4 million pounds of Moose Munch(R) Confection and 3 million pounds of chocolate enrobed fruit annually," said Bill Williams, President & CEO of Harry & David. He went on to say, "Our Ohio distribution center is a key activity hub for us; last year we shipped more than 3.6 million gifts, which is 1 million more than we sent from our Medford, Oregon distribution center."
The Ohio expansion is expected to add approximately 160 new full-time jobs with an annual payroll of approximately $4 million. Construction is expected to be completed by Fall of 2008. In 1997 the Company opened a $34 million regional distribution and call center at the same location.