Mondelez International is investing nearly 74 million zlotys ($18 million) to enhance its chocolate production capabilities at a plant in Skarbimierz, Poland.
This significant investment will enable Mondelez to install a new production line dedicated to seasonal chocolate. The new line is expected to commence operations by next year.
With this move, Mondelez aims to position the Skarbimierz plant as “a key center” for seasonal chocolate production throughout Europe.
Plant director Oleksandr Turchenko emphasized: “The investment in a new production line in Skarbimierz is another important step in the implementation of our development strategy in the region.”
He further explained, “Thanks to the high level of automation, modern technologies and solutions, we are not only increasing our production capacity but also supporting the development of the seasonal product category in Poland.”
Additionally, Mondelez anticipates that this investment will create 50 new jobs at the factory, which currently employs over 600 individuals. Overall, Mondelez boasts a workforce of more than 5,100 employees in Poland.
The facility, which encompasses 65,000 m², is equipped with ten advanced production lines producing popular products like Milka, Oreo, Cadbury, and 3Bit.
On December 11, Mondelez announced a $9 million share buyback program amid the exploration of a potential acquisition of chocolate maker Hershey.
Shares in Mondelez, which saw a dip 48 hours prior after a Bloomberg report indicated a “preliminary approach” for Hershey, rebounded following the announcement of the buyback plan.
In addition to the $9 billion share repurchases, Mondelez declared its regular quarterly dividend and indicated that its acquisition strategy is focused on bolt-on assets, similar to its recent commitments for Greece’s Chiptita and Mexico’s Ricolino.
Furthermore, Bloomberg reported that The Hershey Trust, controlling shareholder of the US snacks maker, had rejected Mondelez’s offer as being too low.
