Ferrero has officially opened a new distribution center in Jonestown, Pa. that’s designed to support the company’s organic growth and integration of new brands.

The 730,000-sq.-ft. facility will add 225 local jobs with 75 new positions in 2019 and an additional 150 jobs by the end of 2020.

"The new Jonestown distribution center will play an important role in our U.S. and North American growth plans," said Paul Chibe, president and CEO, Ferrero North America.

The new facility adds capacity for Ferrero North America to distribute its growing portfolio of brands, including Baby Ruth, Butterfinger, and Crunch. Over time, the facility, which is managed by DHL Supply Chain, will also distribute other Ferrero brands.

"We are thrilled to be an active business partner in Jonestown and Union Township,’ Chibe said. “These communities' commitment to economic growth was an integral part of the decision to select this location for our new distribution center. In DHL, we have the perfect partner whose best-in-class experience and technology will ensure this facility helps power Ferrero's continued growth for years to come."

Joining the ribbon-ceremony was Franklin Littleton, president, consumer, DHL Supply Chain North America, which provides warehouse services for Ferrero's new distribution center, including shipment consolidation, packaging, distribution, and inventory management.

With digitalization being a priority for DHL Supply Chain, the facility will utilize lithium powered lifts as an energy and cost savings initiative. The center also features an energy-saving HVAC system and zero-waste-to-landfill practices to reduce environmental impact.

The facility will also use JDA (NTV) warehouse management system and DHL's proprietary MySupplyChain that provides visibility across the entire supply chain.

"We were immediately attracted to Ferrero's vision for future growth and believed our proven processes to consistently deliver predictability and cost certainty uniquely positioned us to help them increase capacity and achieve that vision," Littleton said. "The addition of this new facility is an exciting and critical step in continuing to deliver on Ferrero's growth strategy as it will bring its products to the market with even greater speed and efficiency."

Also in attendance at the ribbon-cutting were Congressman Daniel P. Meuser, representatives from Union Township, Jonestown and the Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation, as well as other Ferrero and DHL special guests.