The closure of a Massachusetts candy factory came as a surprise to the facility’s nearly 230 workers who were told their final paychecks would be available Friday.
The Boston Globe is reporting that Round Hill Investments LLC confirmed the closure of the Necco plant in Revere, MA on Tuesday, July 24. Necco, the country’s oldest continuously operating candy company, is known for making candies such as Necco wafers, Sweethearts and Sky Bar.
“Round Hill Investments was very excited to acquire Necco’s historic brands and to be part of their national resurgence,” the company said in a statement. “After careful engagement and consideration, however, the firm decided to sell the brands to another national confection manufacturer and today announced the closure of the operations in Revere, Massachusetts.”
In May, Round Hill purchased Necco — which is operating under the affiliate name Sweetheart Candy Co. LLC — for $17.3 million at a bankruptcy auction. Round Hill is selling the Necco brands to another confection manufacturer, however, the name of the new owner has not been released. It is also unclear if candy production at the Revere plant will resume.
Revere city officials said the city was not notified of the impending closure.
"We are disappointed that Round Hill could not follow through on the enthusiasm it expressed when it acquired Necco," Revere Mayor Brian Arrigo said in a statement. "The city of Revere will make every effort to assist displaced workers with referrals to agencies that can help them."
