Welcome to our new series “Made in La Porte.” Each month we will be highlighting a manufacturer in the county that has a positive impact on our community. This idea would not have been possible without the wonderful engagement and ideas contributed by La Porte’s own Bert Cook of Greater La Porte Economic Development Corporation.
For the first feature in the series the choice was easy. We will focus on American Licorice Corporation-the powerhouse company that makes and distributes some of your favorite treats at sporting events and beyond such as Red Vines and Sour Punch Straws. Not only does this company produce candy, but also has a philanthropic approach that is as sweet as sugar.
American Licorice was started in 1914 in Chicago, and from then on had a long journey of relocation and growth. The La Porte factory was opened in 2004, and manufactures Sour Punch, Natural Vines, Super Ropes, Sip N’ Chew Straws and Snaps Licorice candies at the facility. American Licorice employs over 500 workers at its facilities in Union City, California; Bend, Oregon; and La Porte, Indiana. The La Porte company personally houses a strong chunk of roughly 200 part-time and full-time employees.
Many residents of La Porte County are shocked to hear that the candy they so love is made in their own hometown. But American Licorice considers the community of La Porte a solid environment to start a business. The local company has flourished and considers the success in part due to the support and location of the community.
“La Porte provides great support to the companies with businesses in the area, both in terms of a great local talent pool to hire employees, a strategic location in the Midwest prime for manufacturers who need to distribute their products across the country and a local government and business community dedicated to growth and collaboration,” Consumer Communications Manager Michael Kelly said.
While the business aspect of American Licorice is impressive, the company’s steadfast dedication to service is where it stands apart. The company even has a team specifically focused on Corporate Social Responsibility which manages programs intended to give back to La Porte. The company participates in initiatives such as Soles4Souls Shoe Drive, Salvation Army Food Drive and Bell Ringing, Kids in Need School Supplies/Backpack Donations, Stone Lake Clean Up for Earth Day, Rehabbing Fort La Play Porte, Habitat for Humanity, Adopt-A-Planter, and more. The company was recognized for its impressive service, and in 2012 was awarded the distinction of “Corporate Citizen of the Year” by the La Porte Chamber of Commerce.
Kelly explained, “In 2012, our associates contributed hundreds company paid volunteering hours in our communities. Associate supported organizations can also receive additional support through our Dollars for Volunteers and Charitable Match programs. We’re also working on creating an approach to community engagement where we will coordinate funding and volunteering to help solve community problems.”
American Licorice is taking on another initiative that will also be beneficial to the community-ecological sustainability practices. The company has even set goals to become zero waste by the year 2016 and is in the research stages for improvement on package sustainability.
Kelly elaborated, “We reported to the Carbon Disclosure Project and set a goal to reduce our emissions by 10% per pound produced by 2015. With a major lighting efficiency project in the works in La Porte, Indiana, we expect to report significant progress on this goal by the end of the year. We’ll be working on capturing our scope three emissions in the areas of transportation and business travel.”
American Licorice plans to continue their philanthropic dedication to the La Porte community, and will always be a strong source of business and employment in the area. The company is as sweet as the product they produce, and the community of La Porte is exponentially grateful for the big name company helping out a small town.
Kelly closed, “In 2013, we continue to be committed to community outreach programs and environmental sustainability. This is our approach to business, through LEAN practices in manufacturing, in building long-term relationships with our consumers, in our support of associate wellness, in our support of our communities, and in reducing our impact on and conserving natural resources.”
