America just got more delicious!
Willy Wonka might be jealous because we have something irresistibly sweet to share from Chicago - Lamar Johnson Collaborative (LJC) designed Ferrero’s first United States Innovation Center!
Ferrero is the world’s second-largest chocolate and confectionery company, founded and inspired by a long history of Italian pastry expertise. Its new 45,000-square-foot facility in the historic Marshall Field and Company building downtown is a hub for its marketing, research, and development teams.
The structure brings together Ferrero's North American R&D teams and houses others working on Nutella, Keebler, Famous Amos, Fannie May, and other brands in the Ferrero portfolio, totaling over 150 employees. LJC has done a great job designing the space to foster collaboration, creativity, and an improved culture of team synergy.
The innovation center features various meeting spaces, a central café, integrated technology, and state-of-the-art amenities. The design team built upon Clayco and LJC’s previous work when we transformed the top floors of the building from its department store roots to a visionary office space.
Alanna Cotton, President and Chief Business Officer of Ferrero North America, explained that the center reflects Ferrero's rich heritage and will boost the creativity and culture that the enterprise is known for worldwide. "Investments like this help us create high-quality, innovative products that will become a special part of Americans' lives and further drive category growth in confections, cookies, and beyond,” Cotton said.
Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson and other leaders cut the ribbon on the facility this past fall. Mayor Johnson noted that developments like this help cement Chicago’s reputation as a prime destination for the world's best talent and businesses – and I wholeheartedly agree!
A big thanks to the partners and people who made this project possible, including JLL, Executive Construction Inc., ESD, now Stantec Consulting Services, Thornton Tomasetti, and Interiors for Business, Inc.
