Germany-based confectionary company HARIBO, creator of popular “GOLDBEAR” gummy candies, will locate its first North American manufacturing facility in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.

HARIBO is in negotiations with the village of Pleasant Prairie to secure the property near I-94 for the new facility. The company’s proposed 500,000-square-foot plant is expected to employ about 400 workers.

Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is supporting the project by awarding HARIBO with up to $21 million in performance-based state income tax credits through 2028. The company can earn the tax credits based upon the number of jobs created; the amount of capital investment it makes; the amount it spends on purchasing equipment, goods and services from Wisconsin companies; and the amount to be spent on employee training.

“Wisconsin is open for business and prominent companies from across the world are paying attention,” said Governor Scott Walker. “HARIBO’s decision to locate right here in Wisconsin as its first manufacturing facility in North America is further evidence that our reforms are working and will help provide hundreds of family-supporting jobs in Wisconsin.”

“Having a global company like HARIBO establish operations here will have a significant economic impact on Kenosha County, southeastern Wisconsin and the entire state,” said Mark R. Hogan, Secretary & CEO of WEDC, the state’s lead economic development organization. “This is another example of how Wisconsin is attracting companies from around the world because of our business-friendly climate, dedicated workforce, world-class education system and reliable infrastructure.”