Storied US Candy Company's Plant Unexpectedly Closes

The owner of the company behind chalky, colorful confections such as Necco Wafers and Sweethearts has unexpectedly shut down operations at its Massachusetts plant and hasn't said if candy production will resume, reports the AP. The Boston Globe reports Round Hill Investments announced Tuesday it is selling Necco brands to another manufacturer and closing down its Revere plant. The company had recently purchased Necco for $17.3 million at a bankruptcy auction in May. Round Hill did not identify Necco's new owner.

The closure came as a shock to the close to 230 workers at the plant who say they were told to pick up their final paychecks Friday. The Globe has this statement from Round Hill: "Round Hill Investments was very excited to acquire Necco's historic brands and to be part of their national resurgence. After careful engagement and consideration, however, the firm decided to sell the brands to another national confection manufacturer." Necco, or New England Confectionery Co., is the country's oldest continuously operating candy company. They also make Mary Jane and Squirrel Nut Zippers candy.