Hawaiian Host Group (HHG), a major player in the confectionery market, has opened its upgraded chocolate factory in Iwilei. During a blessing ceremony reported by Island News, the company celebrated the completion of a $12 million renovation, which aims to boost Hawaii's economy by enhancing local manufacturing and creating jobs.
President and CEO of HHG, Ed Schultz, proudly showcased the factory's advancements, stating, "We've been able to set up a system where we can double our output and the jobs that we have here will become more tech-focused." The renovation is focused not only on increasing output but also on preserving jobs and enhancing economic growth in Hawaii. This development is expected to strengthen the local workforce by offering higher-paying positions that emphasize technology, which will require improved worker skillsets, as per Island News.
As reported by Hawaii News Now, the renovation introduced cutting-edge machinery that accelerates the production of treats like the iconic "AlohaMacs" from 880 to 1,500 pieces per minute. Schultz pointed out the human aspect of these upgrades as well: "Even though there’s robotics out there, you see, we’ve not cut one job," manifesting HHG's commitment to not only maintaining but bolstering its workforce amidst the technological enhancements.
With Hawaii continuously facing economic and employment challenges, HHG's investment in a technology that collaborates with human workers is a step toward addressing such issues as high workloads and staff shortages. "This is our investment here," Schultz told Hawaii News Now. "It lets us grow as a company. And it’s really, you know, it showcases Hawaii, ‘Made in Hawaii’ products, and we’re all really, really proud of it."
The launch of the revamped facility has generated pride and excitement among state leaders. Governor Josh Green and U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda toured the facility, where Tokuda expressed her enthusiasm, saying, "This is everyone’s dream. You know, every day at the Capitol, I practice mac nut diplomacy. I literally have chocolate candies in my purse, and I give them to people. It’s a little mahalo for signing a bill or a letter," in a Hawaii News Now report.
In addition to its economic development role, Hawaiian Host has been actively supporting the community. "Last year, we were one of the top givers in Hawaii. We gave away over $400,000 to charity in both cash and product to support big initiatives: fires in Maui, the first responders in Maui along with little league teams and schools of whoever is trying to raise money so that," Schulz said in a statement from Island News.
