How sweet it is: NS to serve candy plant coming to South Carolina
5/26/2026
By Jeff Stagl, Managing Editor
Last year, Americans spent a record $55 billion on candy. By 2030, annual confectionary sales are projected to reach $62.2 billion.
That healthy candy appetite has been sweet for Norfolk Southern Railway. In 2025, the railroad moved more than 250 million pounds of candy and chocolate.
And more candy volume is on the horizon for the Class I. Ferrara Candy Co. recently announced plans to build a $675 million, NS-served manufacturing facility in Orangeburg, South Carolina.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the facility was held May 19.
Headquartered in Chicago for 118 years and operating more than 30 facilities throughout the United States, Europe and Brazil, Ferrara produces more than 40 iconic lines of candy, including domestic brands NERDS®, SweeTARTS®, Laffy Taffy®, Trolli®, Brach's® and Jelly Belly®.
Shown: A rendering of the 750,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, which will include processing and packaging areas, and a warehouse for raw and pack materials. Ferrara Candy Co.Ferrara plans to build a 750,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Orangeburg that will include processing and packaging areas, a warehouse for raw and pack materials, and an administrative office. To open in first-quarter 2029, the plant will be located on Highway 21 and Rowesville Road.
“Our new Orangeburg facility represents a major step forward in transforming Ferrara’s manufacturing scale and capability, positioning the company for long-term global leadership,” said Ferrara CEO Marco Capurso in a press release.
Rail access was an important factor in site selection and in supporting Ferrara’s supply-chain needs, particularly for inbound raw materials, said NS Director of Industrial Development Brian Gwin in an email.
“Direct NS service provides reliable, cost-effective connections to suppliers across our network, which strengthens the competitiveness of sites like in Orangeburg County,” he said.
NS was part of the broader state and county recruitment effort to land the Ferrara plant. The railroad worked alongside partners to position the site and ensure rail connectivity supported the project’s long-term success, said Gwin.
Once the plant opens, NS expects to support Ferrara’s inbound supply chain, particularly the movement of key ingredients used in candy production.
“At this time, rail service is expected to focus on inbound materials,” said Gwin.
In March, NS created a graphic to tout the products it moves because of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, including 156 million pounds of candy and chocolate.Norfolk Southern RailwayProjects like the Ferrara plant represent long-term, rail-served growth that supports both NS and the communities it serves, he said.
“As the facility ramps up, it will contribute to new carload volume while reinforcing the role of rail in supporting large-scale manufacturing supply chains,” said Gwin.
Orangeburg County is an established and growing industrial market, and NS already serves a range of industries across the region, including automotive and advanced manufacturing facilities.
“Our presence and partnerships help position the area to attract investments like Ferrara by providing direct rail connectivity to key suppliers and markets,” said Gwin.
NS currently serves a wide range of food and consumer products manufacturers across its 22-state network. The railroad serves other major candy manufacturers, including Hershey Co. and Mars Inc.
“We have experience moving confectionery products across our network,” said Gwin.
