On Thursday in Mebane, dignitaries from multiple nations came together as the Japanese company Morinaga broke ground on a major expansion of its Hi-Chew candy factory in Orange County — a project that’s projected to be a very sweet boost to the local economy. 

“What a great day to be in Mebane,” Mayor Ed Hooks said during the ceremony held to mark the start of construction on a $137 million upgrade Morinaga’s facility along Interstate 40. The project, first announced in July, is expected to add an estimated $4.5 million annually to Orange County’s tax base within ten years of the expansion’s completion, and is still projected to have positive tax implications even with local incentives packages approved in September.

Also on hand at the ceremony were Morinaga president Eijiro Ota, Orange County manager Travis Myren, Orange County economic development director Steve Brantley, and numerous elected officials — including U.S. House Representative Valerie Foushee, who said the expansion fulfills a promise Morinaga made when they first came to Orange County more than a decade ago.

Morinaga President Eijiro Ota addresses the gathered crowd on Thursday, Oct. 3 for the groundbreaking ceremony for the company’s expansion facility.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held by the current Morinaga building, which is where the future expansion will stand.

“Morinaga promised that they would bring more jobs in the future,” said the congresswoman, “and the new expansion will bring an additional 204 good-paying jobs to our area.”

For now, Morinaga officials say the new construction should be done by mid-2026 and the new facility should open in January of 2027. The company already makes 7 million pieces of Hi-Chew candy in Orange County every day; when the new facility opens, it will be 14 million.

“Morinaga: thank you so much for choosing Mebane…again,” Hooks added to punctuate his speech.

The new facility is being built directly next to Morinaga’s original building, which first opened in 2015.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.

Related Stories
‹
Morinaga Set to Expand Orange County Manufacturing Plant, Invest $136 Million in New Facility
After nearly ten years of successful operations in western Orange County, Morinaga will expand its facility for producing HI-CHEW candies.
Orange County Approves Incentives for Morinaga's Expansion of HI-CHEW Factory
The Orange County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a $2.9 million tax incentives deal for Morinaga America Foods on Tuesday.
Medline Holds Dedication Ceremony for Orange County Distribution Center
Orange County officials got a chance to see operations unfold at the recently-built Medline distribution center in Mebane on Tuesday.
STIHL Holds Open House, Celebration For New Orange County Distribution Center in Mebane
The power tool manufacturer STIHL welcomed corporate leaders, local government dignitaries and more to its open house celebration in Mebane.
Morinaga Candy Factory Construction In OC To Begin "In A Couple Of Weeks"
Brantley said.
Testimony to Resume in Trial Over Woods-Clark Killing; Here's Where Proceedings Stand
After four days of action last week, the jury will resume hearing people share their recollections around the two teenagers' 2022 deaths.
Orange County Public Transportation Piloting Fare-Free Model in 2026
Orange County Public Transportation will be piloting a one-year, fare-free model for its fixed-route transit services beginning Jan. 2, 2026. The Orange County Board of Commissioners approved the move at its Dec. 9 meeting. In a press release, the county government hailed the move as “an important step in testing strategies to expand mobility, promote […]
Down on Copperline: Fiddler Joe Thompson’s Musical Legacy Remains Very Much Alive
Fiddler Joe Thompson has been gone for more than a decade, but his musical legacy remains very much alive and will be celebrated in Mebane.
City of Mebane Loosens Water Usage Restrictions, Still Encourages Conservation
As the City of Mebane continues repairs on a water treatment plant, the local government issued an urgent message to residents on Wednesday morning to stop using water amid a drastic shortage.
Mebane, Orange County Warn of Lake Michael Dam Potential Failure Amid Heavy Rain
UPDATE: During a press conference on Monday afternoon, Orange County Emergency Services Director Kirby Saunders said the Lake Michael Dam did not fail. Residents in the area, however, are encouraged to remain in higher ground until high waters recede. Below is the initial story published early Monday morning. The City of Mebane warned residents in […]
›