A Sweet Opportunity: Nestle Factory Hiring in Bloomington
By: Kim Behrens
Updated: January 21, 2013
BLOOMINGTON- For those who've seen the classic movie "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," entering Willy Wonka's world, is a thrilling experience.
While most factories aren't decked out like his--those hoping to work at a Wonka brand manufacturer in Bloomington, share the same desire to get in.
"I've probably got about 50-60 resumes. I've applied for everything," said job seeker Cory Winkler.
Winkler is one of many applicants at a Nestle job fair.
The starting wage is more than $14 dollars an hour, and he needs insurance.
"I have a three year old," said Winkler. "She turns three next week so she's just at the age of diving off the couch and breaking stuff so I need to have the medical."
Lisa Powell says factory jobs are few and far between.
Working here, she says she'd earn extra income.
"I'd be making more money so I don't have to worry about struggling day to day," said Powell.
The plant located on Bloomington's south side recently began making the low fat chocolate brand "Skinny Cow."
Those hired will be trained to work on its production line.
"A lot of times I'd come home smelling like whatever flavor we were making that day," said former employee Michael Edmonds. "Sometimes sour apple, sometimes grape, sometimes strawberry or banana."
Edmonds used to be a Laffy Taffy operator at Nestle.
He left to pursue other opportunities, but is now back hoping for another chance to make sweet treats.
"You make real good money at the company," said Edmonds. "They employ at lot of people. It's definitely a good place to work."
Now, just like the movie, these job seekers need a bit of luck and perhaps the magic of Wonka's golden ticket to gain access to the factory.
Follow Up:
Nestle is looking to hire about 30 employees.
So far nearly 1,000 people have applied.
While most factories aren't decked out like his--those hoping to work at a Wonka brand manufacturer in Bloomington, share the same desire to get in.
"I've probably got about 50-60 resumes. I've applied for everything," said job seeker Cory Winkler.
Winkler is one of many applicants at a Nestle job fair.
The starting wage is more than $14 dollars an hour, and he needs insurance.
"I have a three year old," said Winkler. "She turns three next week so she's just at the age of diving off the couch and breaking stuff so I need to have the medical."
Lisa Powell says factory jobs are few and far between.
Working here, she says she'd earn extra income.
"I'd be making more money so I don't have to worry about struggling day to day," said Powell.
The plant located on Bloomington's south side recently began making the low fat chocolate brand "Skinny Cow."
Those hired will be trained to work on its production line.
"A lot of times I'd come home smelling like whatever flavor we were making that day," said former employee Michael Edmonds. "Sometimes sour apple, sometimes grape, sometimes strawberry or banana."
Edmonds used to be a Laffy Taffy operator at Nestle.
He left to pursue other opportunities, but is now back hoping for another chance to make sweet treats.
"You make real good money at the company," said Edmonds. "They employ at lot of people. It's definitely a good place to work."
Now, just like the movie, these job seekers need a bit of luck and perhaps the magic of Wonka's golden ticket to gain access to the factory.
Follow Up:
Nestle is looking to hire about 30 employees.
So far nearly 1,000 people have applied.
