Changes to Wrigley brands could affect Yorkville plant
Revamped product: Improvements to chewing gum may bring more jobs

March 13, 2008
By Rowena Vergara Staff Writer

YORKVILLE -- A major revamp to Chicago-based Wrigley Company's nostalgic Doublemint, Juicy Fruit, Big Red and Extra gum brands could mean production changes for its Yorkville facility.

The gum maker announced improvements to packaging and flavoring across some of its key brands Wednesday. Certain gums will be available in 15-stick envelope packages as early as May.

Wrigley Co. also stated in a press release that it will boost its fruit-flavored gum segment by launching a new Extra line called Extra Fruit Sensations, along with three new Orbit fruit varieties. Orbit, Eclipse and Juicy Fruit are some of the gums made by workers at the Yorkville production plant on 35 acres along Route 47.

A company spokesman did not elaborate on the role Yorkville's production plant could have on the company's strategy, confirming only that certain gum brands are made at the facility. Calls to the Yorkville plant were not returned Wednesday.

In June 2005, the Wrigley Co. announced plans to shift production of several candy lines to the 386-employee Yorkville plant after closing its 94-year-old factory on Chicago's South Side. The Yorkville plant had been operating under the name Amurol Confections Co., a subsidiary of Wrigley Co. It opened in 1994.

The plant also has long been known as a think tank for innovative concepts when it comes to making gum. Aurora native Ron Ream, who was a senior vice president of Amurol Confections Co., is the creator of gum brands like Bubble Tape, Ouch! Bubble Gum and Squeeze Pop.

According to the Yorkville Economic Development Corporation, Wrigley is the largest employer in Yorkville.

rvergara@scn1.com