The world's largest maker of cocoa and chocolate products will open its first West Coast distribution center in American Canyon

Article Last Updated: Monday, Apr 11, 2005 - 11:03:14 pm PDT

By Matthew Bunk

FAIRFIELD - The world's largest maker of cocoa and chocolate products will open its first West Coast distribution center in American Canyon, according to the company that brokered the lease agreement.

Barry Callebaut USA, Inc., will take over 150,000 square feet of warehouse space at 1175 Commerce Boulevard, Colliers International reported. The maker of candy lines such as Brach's wants to move in during the next several months.

The business would create an estimated 70 to 100 new jobs.

"Barry Callebaut looked at several areas throughout the West to house its distribution plant but decided on American Canyon due to its aggressive business climate and its close proximity to Napa Valley," Colliers broker William Kampton said.

Barry Callebaut has more than 30 production facilities in 22 countries. The company employs roughly 9,000 people.