#Elmer chocolate plus#

“As one of our community’s largest employers, Elmer continues to be a great corporate citizen, and we appreciate their continued investment in our city.” “I am beyond excited to be celebrating the completed expansion of Elmer Chocolate’s production facility in Ponchatoula,” Ponchatoula Mayor Bob Zabbia said. Elmer also is expected to utilize Louisiana’s Enterprise Zone Program. To secure the project, the State of Louisiana offered the company a competitive incentive package that includes a performance-based $550,000 Economic Development Award Program forgivable loan to fund equipment purchases, along with the comprehensive solutions of LED FastStart® – the nation’s top-ranked state workforce development program. LED began discussing a potential expansion with Elmer Chocolate in August 2014. All of us at Elmer recognize, and are grateful to, our state, local and parish officials for their continued support.”

“Our expansion, complete with state-of-the-art production technology, gives Elmer Chocolate a competitive edge to be the most efficient gift chocolate manufacturer in the world. “Today is an important milestone for our 160-year-old, family-owned company,” Nelson said. Elmer has been in Ponchatoula since 1970. Elmer is the second-largest Valentine box chocolate manufacturer in North America, and the company’s Easter candies outsell national manufacturers by a ratio of 5-to-1 along the Gulf Coast. We congratulate the entire Elmer team on this exciting new chapter.”įounded in 1855 in New Orleans as the Miller Candy Corp., Elmer Chocolate produces a wide variety of chocolates, caramels, truffles and crèmes, along with seasonal holiday favorites, such as Gold Brick®, Heavenly Hash® and Pecan Eggs. “This expansion will make Elmer Chocolate more efficient and more competitive, but it also speaks to the confidence that business leaders have in our state and our people. “As a Tangipahoa Parish native, I am a big fan of Elmer Chocolate, and I also understand the tremendous economic impact this expansion will have on the region,” Gov. is proud to have been a part of the local, regional and state team that retained a major local employer, and looks forward to supporting Elmer Chocolate as it becomes one of the most advanced candy manufacturers in the world.” “Elmer Chocolate’s decision to remain and expand in Greater New Orleans is sweet news for Tangipahoa and Louisiana,” said President and CEO Michael Hecht of Greater New Orleans Inc. “We salute and congratulate Rob Nelson and the entire Elmer team for their commitment to the community. Financing for the project was provided by Whitney Bank.

The latest expansion brings the total plant size in Ponchatoula, including administrative headquarters and distribution facilities, to nearly 400,000 square feet. The expansion design and construction services were completed by Woodward Design+Build. LED estimates the expansion will result in another 14 new indirect jobs.Įlmer’s investment includes the installation of new production technology to make the company more efficient, versatile and competitive in the market.

#Elmer chocolate plus#

In addition to retaining 164 jobs, Elmer Chocolate is creating 10 new direct jobs as part of the expansion, with an average salary of $42,500, plus benefits. In December 2014, Elmer announced it would develop a 70,000-square-foot addition at the company’s production facility in Ponchatoula.

President and CEO Robert Nelson joined state and local leaders to officially dedicate the expanded facility in Ponchatoula. John Bel Edwards highlighted the completion of Elmer Chocolate’s $40 million manufacturing expansion as Elmer Candy Corp.