By Everdeen Mason
Church & Dwight Co. (CHD) unveiled plans to boost its gummy
vitamin production capacity by 75% by adding a new production line
at its Pennsylvania facility, which is expected to be operational
by early 2015.
The personal care and household product manufacturer said the
project will require a $55 million investment and will employ about
180 people. Construction will begin in January.
"The gummy vitamin business is strategically important to Church
& Dwight and is expected to be a significant contributor to the
future growth of sales, earnings, and cash flows," Chief Executive
James R. Craigie said.
Church & Dwight expects gummy vitamin sales to grow in the
double digits in 2014 as more adults switch from traditional
vitamin pills.
The company -- which also manufactures Arm & Hammer products
and Trojan condoms -- initially invested in gummy vitamins in 2012
with the acquisition of the Avid gummy vitamin business. The
company has improved its revenue for more than two years on
stronger demand for its products, although it suffers from the slow
economic recovery and price competition from rivals such as Procter
& Gamble Co. (PG).
Write to Everdeen Mason at everdeen.mason@wsj.com
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