A $40 million expansion to Elmer Chocolate’s Ponchatoula production facility is complete. Company representatives and state and local officials marked the completion with a dedication today.
The expansion includes a 70,000-square-foot addition to the production facility and the installation of new production technology that is expected to make the candy company more efficient, competitive and versatile.
The expansion increases the total size of the Ponchatoula candymaker’s facilities to nearly 400,000 square feet, including Elmer’s headquarters and distribution complex. Robert Nelson, Elmer Candy Corp. president and CEO, calls the expansion a milestone for the family-owned company.
“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,” says Nelson.
Louisiana Economic Development and Elmer Chocolate began discussions in August 2014 about a potential expansion. The state offered the company an incentive package that includes a $550,000 competitive Economic Development Award Program forgivable loan to pay for equipment purchases and services of LED FastStart. Elmer also is expected to utilize Louisiana’s Enterprise Zone Program.
Known for holiday favorites such as Gold Brick and Heavenly Hash, Elmer was founded in New Orleans in 1855. It was originally named the Miller Candy Corp. It is the second-largest Valentine box chocolate manufacturer in North America. The company has been headquartered in Ponchatoula since 1970.
