GENEVA, IL — On Nov. 15, FONA International, a developer and manufacturer of complete flavor solutions, broke ground on a multi-million-dollar, high-tech manufacturing expansion. McCormick & Company, who purchased FONA in late 2020, is set to significantly increase FONA’s manufacturing footprint.
The expansion creates an additional 15,600 square feet of manufacturing space and will allow for future growth in manufacturing and storage in the future. The expansion highlights McCormick and FONA’s commitment to high-tech manufacturing. The event was attended by McCormick and FONA Leadership as well as members of the Geneva-area community, including Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns, State Senator Karina Villa and members of Chambers of Commerce from Geneva, St. Charles, and Batavia, among others.
Brendan Foley, McCormick President of Global Consumer – Americas and Asia, discussed McCormick’s commitment to the community and the future of flavor at the event. He highlighted the similarities in values and culture that the now-united organizations share.
“There’s a history of involvement in the community [at FONA] just like there is with McCormick in every community where we live and work. FONA is certainly a great example of that. Today’s announcement is an example of our continued investment in the Fox Valley area,” Brendan said.
FONA’s site expansion represents the exciting role FONA plays in the future of McCormick. This undertaking will allow FONA and McCormick to deliver higher service, quality and growth promises for customers. Suzanne Roy, General Manager – North America Flavor, touched on the importance of serving customers with this expansion.
“As we look to this important milestone in our growth, we must make sure we continue to serve our customers with distinction, because fundamentally, that’s really what it’s all about: Our ability to differentiate ourselves in the marketplace. As we combine our capabilities, we’re already reaping the benefits and deepening our relationships with our customers,” said Suzanne.
At the event, TJ Widuch, FONA Executive Vice President of Order Fulfillment, also discussed FONA’s focus on high-tech manufacturing and McCormick and FONA as an engine of growth. He noted that FONA’s manufacturing footprint increase will create additional jobs. “This vision of expanding our business will allow FONA to continue to grow flavors and provide great job opportunities in the Fox Valley area.” said TJ.
Fortune recently named FONA the #2 Best Place to Work in Manufacturing and Production, and the company consistently wins awards for employee culture and quality.
“Here in Geneva, we love awards. That’s part of who we are,” said TJ. “And this 15,000 square foot manufacturing space will provide more space to allow for faster turnaround time, and faster lead times for our customers to get orders out the door. This expansion is about a growth engine for McCormick for many many years to come.”
Schramm Construction of St. Charles, Illinois, will lead work on the expansion.
About FONA International, Inc.
Founded more than 30 years ago, FONA International creates and produces flavors for many of the largest food, beverage, and nutritional companies in the world. It offers flavor solutions for the confection, grain, beverage, performance nutrition, OTC and emerging markets from its state-of-the-art, 33-acre campus in Geneva, IL. FONA’s seven core values drive it to pursue excellence and foster incredible partnerships. More than just great flavors — FONA provides exceptional service and complete market solutions.
FONA was purchased by McCormick in late 2020 and is now one of McCormick & Company’s family of brands. Every day, no matter where or what you eat or drink, you can enjoy food flavored by McCormick. Founded in 1889, McCormick envisions A World United by Flavor where healthy, sustainable, and delicious go hand in hand. To learn more, visit www.mccormickcorporation.com.
