Lindt Unveils Multi-Million Dollar Expansion Plan Furthering Major U.S. Growth

STRATHAM, N.H., March 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Premium chocolatier Lindt & Sprungli today announces a multi-million dollar expansion plan for manufacturing at the company's Lindt USA headquarters in Stratham, N.H.  The expansion, which is expected to begin this spring and roll out over the next several years, is the second major expansion for Lindt USA in the last decade.  Upon completion of the total expansion efforts, the campus is expected to have more than one million-square feet of space for production, storage and distribution, allowing Lindt to continue to produce premium chocolate products from bean to finished product at an increased capacity.

The facility in Stratham, N.H. is one of eight Lindt & Sprungli manufacturing sites in the world, and the only Lindt facility in North America.  Construction will begin at Lindt USA with a 108,000-square foot addition, nearly doubling the size of the campus' main building.  The new manufacturing building will house additional premium chocolate production lines to meet company growth.  Newly added product lines include the popular Lindt HELLO collection, which launched in June 2013, LINDOR single serve bars, and EXCELLENCE individually wrapped dark chocolate diamonds, the latest extension to the company's premium dark chocolate collection.  The building expansion will also lead to increased storage and distribution capabilities and generate new jobs.

"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," said Thomas Linemayr, president and 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 U.S. chocolate market is the largest in the world and one that continues to grow rapidly.  The expansion of the Stratham facility will allow Lindt to meet the rising consumer demands for premium chocolate on both a national and global level, ultimately producing products for the U.S., Canada, Mexico, England, China and Australia.  These plans follow the significant Lindt USA expansion from 2006-2010, during which the company added 350,000-square feet of production, packaging and distribution facility space, and a new state-of-the-art cocoa liquor plant to the U.S. facility.  The addition of the multi-million dollar cocoa liquor plant provided Lindt USA with the capability to clean, roast, and grind cocoa beans, and ultimately produce cocoa liquor – a key component in the chocolate production process.      

Lindt is one of few chocolate manufacturers in the world that has control of the entire chocolate production process, from cocoa bean to finished product, ensuring superior taste in every product.  All Lindt products reflect a deep passion for artisan-like craftsmanship, innovation and the finest quality ingredients.  Lindt offers a wide range of innovative, premium chocolate products, including the iconic LINDOR truffles, EXCELLENCE premium dark chocolate bars and individually wrapped chocolate diamonds, the popular Lindt HELLO collection, Lindt GOLD BUNNY and a wide range of seasonal and gifting items that are perfect for special occasions.  To keep up with all Lindt product news, visit Lindt.com, "Like" the company's Facebook page and follow Lindt on Twitter (@Lindt_Chocolate).

About Lindt & Sprungli
Founded in 1845, Lindt & Sprungli is a global leader in the premium chocolate category, offering high-quality products in more than 120 countries.  Lindt & Sprungli operates eight production facilities in Europe and the United States and employs more than 8,000 worldwide.  Lindt USA operates more than 50 retail stores in the U.S. and maintains wide distribution through extensive retail and wholesale channels.  For more information on Lindt, visit www.lindt.com.

SOURCE Lindt USA