Russell Stover makes operational changes

Russell Stover Chocolates is making several changes to the production, retail, and distribution networks across North America. The chocolate maker plans to expand facilities in Corsicana, Texas, and Abilene and Iola, Kan., aiming to add approximately 300 jobs in total in these three locations. This will occur in conjunction with the closing of the Montrose, Colo., location in the spring of 2021. Russell Stover will also be closing select low-traffic stores over the course of the next year.

The consolidation process with the Lindt & Sprüngli North American (LSNA) logistics operation, which began in 2018, will continue as scheduled. This will result in the closure of the Cookeville, Tenn., and Butler, Mo., distribution and fulfillment centers later this year, and the transfer of the Cookeville fulfillment center to the plant in Corsicana, Texas.

Due to these changes, the company will be laying off approximately 400 positions across the United States.

“Having been in business since 1923, we know the importance of keeping pace with the changing tastes and preferences of the people who buy our chocolates,” said Andy Deister, Russell Stover CEO, in a company press release (pdf). “Just as consumers change their preferred flavor or package, they’re changing the way they shop for our products, and we’re making sure we have the infrastructure to deliver on their expectations.”

Press release (pdf)