USA: Lindt announces HQ expansion

Swiss chocolatier Lindt & Sprungli has announced that it is to invest in the development of its US headquarters in Stratham, New Hampshire in response to increased demand in the country for premium chocolate.

The expansion to production facilities at the site, which has now met planning approval, will see the addition of 108,000 square metres of space, almost doubling the size of the main campus building. The investment will allow Lindt to add new production lines at the site, which is the company's sole US manufacturing facility. Storage and distribution capacity will also be upgraded.

"Lindt continues to dominate the premium chocolate segment in the U.S. and the expansion of the manufacturing facility will help Lindt stay at the forefront of the industry and accommodate the growing demands from the market and consumers," commented Thomas Linemayr, President/CEO of Lindt USA. "Our investment in the company's growth further showcases the brand's ongoing commitment to creating the highest quality chocolate and providing chocolate beyond compare to our consumers."

The expansion is the latest in a series of developments at the Stratham site over the past five years. In 2010, approximately 40,000 square feet of space was added for cocoa liquor production, while in 2011 around 36,000 square feet was added for corporate office and retail space.

Source: Area Development Online / Union Leader