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    Latest News
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    3. Russell Stover Expanding In Abilene
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    Russell Stover expanding in Abilene main photo

    Russell Stover expanding in Abilene

    January 15, 2020

    Russell Stover expanding in Abilene

    From: https://www.candyindustry.com/articles/88941-russell-stover-expanding-plants-in-kansas-texas-while-closing-colorado-facility

    January 14, 2020

    Alyse Thompson

    Russell Stover Chocolates has announced plans to expand its production facilities in Kansas and Texas and close its plant in Montrose, Colorado next year. 

    The Kansas City, Missouri-based company noted in a press statement the changes in its production and distribution networks will add approximately 300 jobs across its facilities in Corsicana, Texas, and Abilene and Iola, Kansas. The Montrose facility is set to close in spring 2021, accompanied by closures of select low-traffic retail stores over the next year.

    “Having been in business since 1923, we know the importance of keeping pace with the changing tastes and preferences of the people who buy our chocolates,” said Andy Diester, Russell Stover ceo. “Just as consumers change their preferred flavor or package, they’re changing the way they shop for our products, and we’re making sure we have the infrastructure to deliver on their expectations.”

    Following its acquisition by Lindt & Sprüngli in 2014, Russell Stover said the consolidation with the company’s North American distribution network is continuing as scheduled. Russell Stover distribution and fulfillment centers in Cookeville, Tennessee and Butler, Missouri are set to close later this year, with Cookeville operations transferring to the Corsicana plant.

    Russell Stover said approximately 400 existing positions will be affected by the changes, noting the 300 new positions in Kansas and Texas will offset that total.

    “During this transition, we are committed to providing employee support, including giving significant advance notice of all facility closures, offering additional opportunities with Russell Stover, as well as providing severance, continued health care coverage and other benefits for those working through the close date,” Rusell Stover said in the statement.

    In a 2013 post, the Montrose Economic Development Corporation reported Russell Stover built the factory there in 1973. It added ad warehouse and a 10,000-sq.-ft. retail store in 1995. The store was redesigned and rebuilt in 2012.

    The 305,000-sq.-ft. manufacturing facility had employed 400-600 workers annually over the 40 years ending in 2013. As of that year, it produced more than 12 million pounds of chocolate annually.

    In its 2019 sales report, Lindt & Sprüngli said sales in North America grew organically by 5.4 percent. Despite the “changing retail landscape, characterized by substantial price pressure, all three brands — Lindt, Ghirardelli and Russell Stover — contributed equally.”

    The company added its financial statement would be impacted by restructuring costs of about $62 million in its logistics, production and retail network, as well as merchandising, in the U.S. Lindt said cost savings from related projects will “improve future results of the US subsidiaries, while at the same time allowing for increased support of the brands for future sales growth.”

    Default Set

    1. A Top 10 True Western Town of the Year! Abilene, nestled in the state’s Smoky Hills region and an important economic center for the region.
    2. Strong Traditions, Vibrant Living A ‘modern-day Mayberry’ can easily be used to describe our charming and family-friendly communities.
    3. Best of All Worlds Dickinson County has good jobs and a strong economy combined with an excellent quality of life!
    4. A Proud Heritage History lovers can visit the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Museum.
    happy child exploring local shop

    A Top 10 True Western Town of the Year!

    Abilene, nestled in the state’s Smoky Hills region and an important economic center for the region.

    smiling business owners

    Strong Traditions, Vibrant Living

    A ‘modern-day Mayberry’ can easily be used to describe our charming and family-friendly communities.

    business owner laughing with customers

    Best of All Worlds

    Dickinson County has good jobs and a strong economy combined with an excellent quality of life!

    We Like Ike memorbelia

    A Proud Heritage

    History lovers can visit the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Museum.

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    Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation Logo
    Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation203 NW 15th Abilene, KS 67410
    Phone: 785-200-3518 Fax: 785-200-3520
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