Blommer Chocolate, a well-known chocolate manufacturing company, has announced the closure of its Chicago manufacturing plant located on Kinzie Street. The decision to close the facility was made in order to expand and transform other facilities, the company stated in a news release on Friday.

The Chicago plant, which has been in operation since 1939, is the original manufacturing plant of the Blommer group. The company cited the location and age of the facility, along with increasing repair and maintenance costs, as reasons for the closure. These factors have led to elevated operating costs and production reliability issues, prompting the company to make the challenging decision.

While the manufacturing plant is closing, some offices, including the corporate headquarters, Applications Lab, and New Research and Development Center, will remain in downtown Chicago at the Merchandise Mart. Blommer also plans to expand the lab capabilities at the Merchandise Mart location.

Mark Okita, the chief operating officer and senior vice president of commercial at Blommer, described the decision as challenging but necessary for the company’s progress and transformation. He emphasized the importance of embracing progress, transformation, and elevation to propel Blommer to the next level. The company’s planned expansion to the Campbellford Canada operation marks a new chapter for Blommer and its customers, according to Okita.

Notably, the Chicago plant, which has experienced fires in recent years, is known for spreading the aroma of chocolate across downtown Chicago. Despite its closure, the impact of the iconic plant will be remembered by many in the area.