Candy maker moving some operations from N.Y. to New Brunswick

A unit of Commack, N.Y., candy maker Healthy Food Brands LLC plans to open a new distribution center in New Brunswick, adding up to 250 jobs over the next several years.

The supplier of Angry Birds Gummies and Fruit Snacks, Sweet 'N Low, and other candies and snacks will gradually move candy bagging operations from New York to the New Brunswick facility, according to Norman Gross, chief financial officer of Healthy Food Brands.

"The more the business is focused over there (in New Brunswick), the more employees are going to be hired," Gross said.

The company currently is using the New Brunswick facility as a warehouse, and will begin moving in machinery and equipment for its bagging operation next month, Gross said.

A unit of Healthy Food Brands purchased the 172,000-square-foot industrial building at 122 Quentin Ave. for $3.2 million, according to an announcement today. The sellers, 122 Quentin LLC, were represented by Doug Richter and Ian Grusd, of Sperry Van Ness; the buyer was represented by Ed Horne and Marty Kreiman, of HK Commercial Realty Advisors.

Gross said the building needs several improvements, indicating the shift of operations from New York would likely take several years.

Healthy Food Brands, which also makes Sunkist Gummies and Fruit Snacks and private-label candy products, will continue to operate its New York facilities, Gross said.