FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 8, 2026
DeKALB – The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) brought the fifth annual “Makers on the Move” statewide bus tour to Ferrara Candy Company in DeKalb on Thursday. The tour, which celebrates Manufacturing Month, is visiting manufacturing facilities, educational institutions and community centers across Illinois to highlight the diverse, rewarding careers in manufacturing and offer an up-close look at today’s high-tech modern manufacturing.
The stop at Ferrara featured a facility tour for attendees, including Congressman Bill Foster, Illinois Representative Jeff Keicher, Illinois State Senator Sue Rezin, and Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Deputy Director Manny Lopez.
Students from area higher education institutions Kishwaukee College, Northern Illinois University, and Waubonsee Community College gained exposure to Illinois manufacturing career opportunities through a question-and-answer session with Ferrara manufacturing leadership, including representatives from the company’s formal Manufacturing Leadership Program, which trains a select group of recent graduates in Ferrara’s manufacturing operations, including production, quality, maintenance, engineering, environmental health and safety and inventory supply.
“Manufacturers make the world a better place every single day, and Ferrara is a prime example of this, spreading sweetness across the globe. By opening their doors to students, Ferrara is inspiring a new generation to enter the exciting world of manufacturing,” said Mark Denzler, President & CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “This is what the Makers on the Move tour is all about, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the fun, fulfilling careers available in the industry.”
“Ferrara’s DeKalb facility represents a significant investment in the Northern Illinois region, including deep regional relationships supporting the community,” said Sidney Osisioma, Senior Site Director for Ferrara. “Whether it’s contributing more than one ton of candy to DeKalb Corn Fest or sharing our vision for future of manufacturing by connecting with students, Ferrara is proud to be a manufacturer here in DeKalb.”
Nationally, there are 580,000 open jobs in the manufacturing industry, including tens of thousands of available jobs in Illinois. The IMA and IMEC are dedicated to working with employers, educators, and lawmakers to enact policies that help attract and retain a skilled workforce. That includes securing a new law to increase student access to career and technical education, as well as pushing for funding to expand manufacturing training academies at community colleges across Illinois. These efforts are vital to ensuring Illinois can continue to experience strong economic growth in the coming decade, as more baby boomers are expected to exit the job market and companies seek to fill the resulting experience gaps.
“Ferrara is leading the way in workforce development, building a talented and diverse team that will strengthen the regional economy for years to come,” said Dan Hofmann, Interim President of the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center. “By harnessing the power of imagination, they’re not just creating treasured confectionary products but also a brighter future for the communities they serve.”
Manufacturing is the largest contributor of any industry to the state’s Gross Domestic Product, generating more than $580 billion for the state’s economy each year. The industry directly employs 662,298 workers and supports as many as 1,771,928 jobs – nearly a third of all jobs in Illinois.
“Today’s stop at Ferrara is an outstanding example of industry partnering with higher education to build a skilled workforce of the future,” said Sarah Hartwick, Senior Vice President and Corporate Board Secretary for the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and Executive Director of the IMA Foundation. “By providing hands-on-learning experiences, we can make sure those interested in a career in manufacturing get the experience necessary to thrive.”
More information about the tour is available at https://makersonthemove.org.
About the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA)
The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association is the only statewide association dedicated exclusively to advocating, promoting and strengthening the manufacturing sector in Illinois. The IMA is the oldest and largest state manufacturing trade association in the United States, representing nearly 4,000 companies and facilities. For more information, please visit http://ima-net.org/.
About the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC)
The Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) is celebrating 30 years of helping Illinois manufacturers become stronger, more competitive, and prepared for long-term growth. Through tailored solutions, hands-on expertise, and strategic support, IMEC partners with small and mid-sized manufacturers to improve operations, strengthen workforce performance, drive innovation, and build resilient businesses. With a statewide team of industry improvement specialists, IMEC works alongside manufacturers to help them plan, implement, and sustain meaningful change. In 2025, IMEC assisted 3,742 companies and helped create or retain 6,871 jobs, generating more than $905 million in economic impact across Illinois. Learn more at www.IMEC.org.
About Ferrara®
For nearly 120 years, Ferrara has created sugar confections that enable moments of sweetness, celebration, and connection for candy lovers of all generations. Today, the company is a leading sugar confectioner in the United States, Brazil, and Europe, with global sales in more than 60 countries. Ferrara boasts a passionate team of more than 9,400 employees creating and delivering hundreds of products sold under 40+ popular brands. Brach’s®, Jelly Belly®, NERDS®, SweeTARTS®, Laffy Taffy®, and Trolli® are enjoyed by more than 91 million U.S. households annually. In Brazil, popular snacking products from Dori include brands such as Dori, Gomets, Pettiz, and Yogurte 100. Iconic candy and chocolate brands of Carambar & Co. have earned generations of loyal customers throughout Europe, including Carambar, Krema, and Terry’s. Ferrara’s success in industry-leading innovation has been driven by deep consumer insights, strong retailer partnerships, and a dedication to diversity of thought, experience, and people. The company has its global headquarters in Chicago and more than 30 facilities across the world. Ferrara is a privately held Ferrero-affiliated company. Learn more at www.ferrara.com or www.linkedin.com/company/ferrara-.
CONTACT: Monique Garcia, 217-502-4832
