Chocolate Plant Closing, 130 Jobs Lost
“Wilbur Chocolate Co Front 1694px” by Photo by and 2008 Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man) Wikimedia Commons
The Wilbur Chocolate factory in Lititz, Pa. is closing and 130 jobs will be eliminated.
The announcement was made by parent company Cargill, who said that the facility will close by January 2016. The company is shifting operations to more modern facilities in Pennsylvania, Milwaukee, and Ontario, Canada. One of them is also located in Lititz.
The Wilbur Chocolate Candy Americana Museum and Candy Store in Lititz will remain open. Cargill will continue to employ approximately 2,200 employees in its cocoa and chocolate and other businesses throughout Pennsylvania.
“These are very difficult decisions, especially when they involve people who have done such great work for us over the years,” said Cargill Cocoa and Chocolate North America president, Bryan Wurscher. “We are committed to helping those who are impacted find other employment and assist them with this transition.”
The history of Wilbur Chocolate dates back to 1865. Read all about it here.
Lititz is also home to Cube — Rock Lititz Studio, a $7 million arena-like facility where the world’s most sought-after acts come to perfect their shows. It counts Taylor Swift, U2 and Katy Perry as clients. The Cube is home to a group of artisans who build the entire apparatus of a major concert tour — sound systems, stages, sets, lights and visual effects. Read more here.
