Two years after buying an Arvada candy making factory in Arvada, Enstrom Candies has closed the plant.
The late afternoon announcement does not indicate how many people worked at the Stephany’s Chocolates plant at 6770 west 52nd Ave. and how many of them were laid off.
Enstrom owners Jamee Enstrom Simons and her husband, Doug Simons, bought Stephany’s Chocolates out of bankruptcy for $1.5 million in 2006. Enstrom kept Stephany’s as its wholesale brand, selling chocolates including Denver mints at Safeway and Costco.
“After two years of dual operations, we have determined that it is inefficient and redundant,” Doug Simons said.
The company expanded its production capacity at the Grand Junction plant after buying the Arvada plant, he said.
“We regret having to lay off our loyal Arvada employees during this difficult economic period,” Simons said. “This is a difficult decision, but it is in the best interest of our company.”
The Arvada operations facility will be used as the company’s Denver distribution center. The company sells Almond Toffee through mail order and Internet sales. The Enstrom’s retail store in Arvada will remain open.
Kirk Mitchell: 303-954-1206 or kmitchell@denverpost.com
