Rockwall, Texas – The rich aroma of chocolate may soon waft across Rockwall, Texas, as Canadian chocolatier Chewters Chocolates moves closer to breaking ground on a new state-of-the-art production facility. Plans for the 225,000-square-foot facility have been cooking since 2022; a new application with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) points to building starting as early as January 2024.
The TDLR filing dated November 27 states that the projected $20.5 million facility could be finished by mid-2026. Designed by DB Constructors Inc., Fort Worth-based company, the project aims to increase the rising industrial presence at the Rockwall Technology Park. Up to four chocolate production lines, a warehouse, office buildings, and even a small retail store will all be housed inside Chewsers’ new plant.
Renowned for its organic, low-sugar products under the Chocxo brand, Chewters Chocolates specializes in making fine delights including nut butter cups, filled chocolates, and seasonal confections. The company works with top North American companies to create market-ready desserts as well. Along with other specialty products, the new Rockwall facility will concentrate on manufacturing molded and filled chocolates.
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The venture is supposed to be more than just a manufacturing center. Chewers intends to improve the experience through self-guided chocolate production tours, enabling guests to watch the chocolate-making process via glass viewing halls. This program not only emphasizes the company’s dedication to openness but also helps to establish the facility as a possible travel destination for chocolate aficionados.
For the Rockwall Economic Development Corporation (EDC), which initially presented the project two years ago, the news is an important achievement. With Chewters pledging $40 million to the project, 120 jobs in the Dallas-Fort Worth region are expected to be created.
Rockwall EDC President Phil Wagner previously lauded the Canadian chocolatier as a “fantastic addition” to the 550-acre Rockwall Technology Park. Notable investments in the business park have already come from a proposed site by Ballard Power Systems. Chewsers’ presence strengthens Rockwall’s standing as a center for advanced manufacturing and creative businesses.
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Although the future seems bright, it’s crucial to keep in mind that specifics in first filings such as those with the TDLR are subject to change. Still, the file offers an attractive insight into the development pipeline of the area, emphasizing Rockwall’s increasing attraction to foreign businesses.
The growth of Chewers Chocolates parallels larger trends in the food manufacturing industry, where customer demand for better and premium products is increasing. The chocolatier is positioned to profit from these changes and support the local economy by focusing on organic and low-sugar options.
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Should all go as expected, Rockwall residents might soon find themselves living within a stone’s throw from one of the most fascinating new chocolate manufacturing sites in North America. Chocolate aficionados can find a delicious fantasy completed here in Texas.
