Dozens laid off as north suburban candy plant closes

NORTH CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - A Chicago-area candy making plant closed its doors Friday, leaving dozens laid off.

Jelly Belly is closing its plant in North Chicago. Its parent company, Chicago-based Ferrara Candy, says 66 workers are being laid off.

Jelly Belly used to be made in the northern suburbs, but 10 years ago, the company moved its operations to its California plant. Since then, the North Chicago plant has been used to produce private label and contract candy production.

Ferrara Candy owns such brands as Brach’s, Sweet Tarts, Chuckles, Lemonhead and Red Hots.

The company has 14 factories in the United States and three other countries.

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