Post by Logan on Jul 7, 2016 3:06:10 GMT -6
$40 million expansion means more sweet times ahead at Ponchatoula-based Elmer Chocolate
For south Louisiana residents, Elmer Chocolate is synonymous with Easter. The company’s Heavenly Hash, Pecan Eggs and Gold Brick Eggs have been a staple of Easter baskets for decades.
But Easter accounts for less than 10 percent of Elmer’s annual sales, said Robert Nelson, CEO of the Ponchatoula-based candy company. It’s actually Valentine’s Day that accounts for the overwhelming majority of Elmer’s business.
“We’re a Valentine’s company, and with that comes challenges,” Nelson said. “Seventy percent of what we make year-round sells in about a 72-hour period. We put in a lot of work to nail it before Valentine’s Day.”
That crucial Valentine’s business led Elmer to spend $40 million to expand its Ponchatoula plant, adding modern equipment manufactured all over the world. The plant held a dedication ceremony for the expansion last month. Nelson said the plant finally started ramping up to full production over the past two months after nearly a year and half of construction.
Read more: theadvocate.com/news/business/16196811-123/expansion-means-sweet-times-at-elmer-chocolate
For south Louisiana residents, Elmer Chocolate is synonymous with Easter. The company’s Heavenly Hash, Pecan Eggs and Gold Brick Eggs have been a staple of Easter baskets for decades.
But Easter accounts for less than 10 percent of Elmer’s annual sales, said Robert Nelson, CEO of the Ponchatoula-based candy company. It’s actually Valentine’s Day that accounts for the overwhelming majority of Elmer’s business.
“We’re a Valentine’s company, and with that comes challenges,” Nelson said. “Seventy percent of what we make year-round sells in about a 72-hour period. We put in a lot of work to nail it before Valentine’s Day.”
That crucial Valentine’s business led Elmer to spend $40 million to expand its Ponchatoula plant, adding modern equipment manufactured all over the world. The plant held a dedication ceremony for the expansion last month. Nelson said the plant finally started ramping up to full production over the past two months after nearly a year and half of construction.
Read more: theadvocate.com/news/business/16196811-123/expansion-means-sweet-times-at-elmer-chocolate