The Madelaine Chocolate Company Reopens One Year After Hurricane Sandy Devastation

By: Oct. 22, 2013
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ROCKAWAY BEACH, NY - The Madelaine Chocolate Company, a privately-held manufacturer of foiled seasonal and everyday chocolates, officially reopened the doors to its 200,000-square-foot factory today. The momentous occasion comes after experiencing unimagined devastation during last October's Superstorm Sandy. The announcement was made this morning by Jorge Farber, CEO of The Madelaine Chocolate Company.

The grand reopening gathered employees and an array of Madelaine clients, vendors, bankers and elected officials, including Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY5), NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Queens) and Assembly Member Phil Goldfeder (D-Queens).

"We are delighted to be sharing this special moment with all those who've stood by The Madelaine Chocolate Company since the very beginning of this unfortunate journey," said Farber. "This day is a testament to the unwavering support we've received from our dedicated staff and community. We are so very proud of them and are thrilled to be back."

Still working through the rebuilding process, the company is on the road to recovery hoping to return to full capacity within the next 12 months. At its peak, Madelaine was churning out 20 million pounds of its signature foil-wrapped chocolates annually. The Madelaine Chocolate Company is the largest employer on the Rockaway Peninsula.

"After sustaining significant damage to its 200,000-square-foot facility and equipment as a direct result of Superstorm Sandy, I am pleased to have supported the Rockaway Peninsula's largest employer, The Madelaine Chocolate Company, in its efforts to sustain a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan along with other financial incentives," added U.S. Rep Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY5). "I am delighted that The Madelaine Chocolate Company will be reopening its doors for operation one year later. This is a significant milestone towards helping my constituents rebuild their lives and restore community sustainability."

About The Madelaine Chocolate Company
Established in 1949 by Holocaust survivors and brothers-in-law Henry Kaye and Jack Gold, The Madelaine Chocolate Company is a third-generation, family-owned and operated business. Located in Rockaway Beach, Madelaine has been part of American life and tradition for nearly 65 years. Madelaine chocolate can be found worldwide, with product now available in the Middle East, Europe and Asia.



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