N. Indiana licorice maker planning $10M expansion

Expected to add 35 new jobs by 2015

1/23/2013

LaPORTE, Ind. — A northern Indiana factory that makes candy and licorice is planning a $10 million expansion company officials say will add 35 new jobs by 2015.

American Licorice Co. plans to renovate its 285,000-square-foot LaPorte plant and install a licorice production line and a rail spur to ferry ingredients to the plant.

The Times of Munster reports American Licorice is one of the nation's original licorice manufacturers. The company produces Red Vines, Sour Punch, Natural Vines, Super Ropes and Snaps.

The Bend, Ore.-based firm employs 150 Indiana residents at its LaPorte plant and 500 nationwide.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered American Licorice up to $200,000 in tax credits based on the company's job creation plans. Those incentives are contingent on the company hiring Indiana residents.