An international company is making a multi-million dollar investment in one South Carolina town, with a strong candy connection to Augusta.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) announced the Ferrara Candy Company is opening its first facility in the Palmetto State. Over the next 10 years, the company’s $675 million investment is expected to create 1,000 manufacturing and corporate jobs.
McMaster called the announcement a transformative moment for Orangeburg County and all of South Carolina.
“Ferrara Candy Company’s $675 million investment in the Midlands is a powerful vote of confidence in our state that will bring many new opportunities for our people. We are proud Ferrara has chosen South Carolina as a place to build their future and look forward to the company’s continued success here,” said McMaster in a news release.
Ferrara is an affiliate company of the Ferrero Group, which has a major facility on Marvin Griffin Road in Augusta. The Ferrero Group completed the acquisition of WK Kellogg Company in 2025, including the facility in Augusta, which makes Keebler cookies. The facility was originally the Murray Biscuit Company.
Cal Wray, President of the Augusta Economic Development Authority (AEDA), told ABD the company has continued to invest in the facility.
“They acquired it to have a larger footprint in the U.S. to pick up the same brands. They have a capacity of millions of cookies and millions of sweets a year that they continue to grow in Augusta. They have a workforce of 700 to 900, from memory, and they continue to invest within Richmond County,” he said.
The Ferrara Candy Company is headquartered in Chicago. It produces some of the most iconic brands of candy on the U.S. market, including NERDS, SweeTARTS, and Jelly Belly.
“Our new Orangeburg facility represents a major step forward in transforming Ferrara’s manufacturing scale and capability, positioning the company for long-term global leadership,” said Ferrara Chief Executive Officer Marco Capurso.
The new facility will be 750,000 square feet and house manufacturing, processing, and packaging, a warehouse for raw and pack material, along with administrative offices. The company’s goal is to strengthen its position as a leader in sugar confections.
“We are excited to welcome Ferrara Candy Company to the Palmetto State,” said Secretary of Commerce Harry Lightsey. This milestone investment in Orangeburg County, as well as the addition of 1,000 new quality jobs in South Carolina, is set to transform the community, strengthen the workforce, and fuel economic prosperity for generations to come.”
Wray said the Ferrara investment in Orangeburg County is also beneficial to the Ferrero operations in Richmond County.
“That’s always been their goal, to make it a household name. They’ve looked at ways to continue to invest in Augusta, how they can put more money into Augusta,” he explained. “We’ve seen the corporate show what a great location the Augusta facility is. So, adding jobs in the region can only strengthen that.”
The Ferrara Candy Company operation will be on Highway 21 and Rowesville Road in Orangeburg. First production lines are expected to be operational in early 2029.
Individuals interested in learning more about job openings can visit https://ferrara.readyscjobs.com.
