Brach & Brock Confections begins Chicago plant phase out

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Researched by Industrialinfo.com (Industrial Information Resources Inc.; Houston, Texas) Brach & Brock Confections Inc (Chicago, Illinois), a privately held company, began today phasing out its Chicago, Illinois manufacturing plant operations.

Back in January 2001, the company announced plans for a phased shutdown of the 2.3 million square foot confections plant due to high domestic sugar prices, age of the nearly century old facility and consolidation among major candy players. This year approximately 145 workers from a total of 1,100 will be laid off with all manufacturing operations seizing by the end of 2003, their headquarters will remain in Chicago.

Plans are to shift some production to their state-of-the-art facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee and outsource the remaining products that cannot be produced there. The company will concentrate on the fast growing fruit snack line of products.

Kevin Kotecki, President of Brach & Brock, stated, The intended phase-out will allow us to invest our revenues in the marketing and sales side of our products, rather than in an inherently inefficient complex.

Originally founded in 1904 by Emil J. Brach, Brach Confections Inc purchased Brock Candy Company in 1994 forming today Brach & Brock Confections Incorporated. They produce over 200 varieties of candies, chocolates and fruit snacks.