Chicago chocolate company considering move to Portage
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A nearly 85-year-old chocolate company based in Chicago could potentially move manufacturing operations to Portage. Our partners at The Times of Northwest Indiana report World’s Finest Chocolate has optioned land in the Porter County city, though no concrete plans have been made.
World’s Finest Chocolate makes a variety of candy bars for fundraising campaigns, raising more than $150 million annually, according to the company’s website. It also produces the Queen Anne Cordial treat.
Spokesperson Jennifer Taylor told The Times the company has a three-year option on land and is in the “very beginning stages of looking at possibly moving there.” However, she said, “Nothing is set in stone yet.”
The site encompasses 60 acres at the former Midwest Steel Supervisors Plant in Portage. Mayor-elect Austin Bona told the publication the area is a prime location.
“This is one more example of what a great location Portage is for manufacturing,” Bonta said. “We have room to grow on the north side. The northside is prime for manufacturing, hospitality and retail. There’s tremendous opportunity.”
Taylor said the company has seen demand growth year over year, but there is no timeframe laid out for a decision on whether the move to Portage will happen.
World’s Finest Chocolate is currently operating out of its corporate office and factory at 4801 S. Lawndale Avenue in Chicago. The company employs more than 300 workers, and Taylor said they would be welcome to make the move if the decision to relocate is made.
Outgoing Mayor Sue Lynch said having the company relocate would be a “game changer” for a site that the city has sought to redevelop since the 1990s.
You can read the full story, including the history of attempts to redevelop the site, from The Times of Northwest Indiana’s Joseph S. Pete by clicking here.