Canada-based Chewters Chocolates will expand business operations to Texas with a new, state-of-the-art chocolate factory.
The 189,000-square-foot facility, which is being developed on a 10-acre plot of land in Phase II of the Rockwall Technology Park, will have up to four chocolate production lines. It will also have warehousing, office space, and a small retail store, according to a July 25 press release from the Rockwall Economic Development Corporation (REDC).
The chocolate manufacturer is best known for its organic, simple ingredient, lohttps://rockwalledc.com/w-sugar chocolate brand Chocxo. Due to the sizeable sales growth of Chocxo across North American markets, Chewters sought to expand operations to the U.S. to meet growing demand.
Expecting even greater demand, Chewters plans to invest more than $40 million in the factory along with its advanced manufacturing and automation equipment.
Choosing the Rockwall Technology Park for the company’s central manufacturing and distribution location was critical when considering how best to serve U.S. customers, said Chewters Chocolates CEO Richard Foley. “We look forward to breaking ground on this exciting build and working with the greater Rockwall community to bring this chocolate factory to life.”
Phil Wagner, president of the REDC, is excited Chewters Chocolates selected Rockwall for its expansion.
“First and foremost, their investment will serve to broaden the tax base for the city, county, and school district — helping ensure we can continue to have high-quality governmental services in Rockwall without all of the tax burden being placed on local residents,” said Wagner. “Beyond that, the retail store and plant tours Chewters will provide will bring a public element to the Tech Park that we have never had before.”
Chewters plans to provide self-guided tours of the facility after the factory is fully operational in 2024. These tours will allow visitors to see the chocolate production process up close through a series of glass viewing halls.
According to the press release, Chewters chose Rockwall after contacting the Texas governor’s office. Within a short time, Chewters and the REDC entered a formal land acquisition, development, and incentive agreement.
Gov. Greg Abbot said Chewter’s expansion into Texas is a significant win for the economy and the hardworking people of Rockwall.
“I look forward to a continued partnership with the company,” he said, “as we create greater economic opportunities and brighter futures for all Texans.”
