Woolwich JLUB approves ICAM Chocolate USA for manufacturing at 135 High Hill Road with waivers

The Woolwich Township Joint Land Use Board on April 16 approved minor site-plan waivers and a change-of-use permit (PB2026-06) to allow ICAM Chocolate USA to operate a chocolate manufacturing and storage facility at 135 High Hill Road.

Attorney Michael Phillips introduced the application and said the project involves interior changes only; there will be no retail on site. Paolo Farina, the operations manager for the family-owned company, testified that the facility will initially operate one daytime shift with about 10 employees (8 a typical line; up to 14–15 with a second shift) and could grow in time. He said initial production at the site is expected to be about 2,000 tons per year with a long-term target of 10,000–12,000 tons per year, comprising roughly 10–15% of the company’s total production. Farina said the company has a 10-year lease for the location.

Board members and Planner Melanie Adamson questioned potential odors, dust, HVAC placement, wastewater and truck traffic. Farina described the process flow (dry storage → warmers → molding line) and said the operation uses electrically heated holding tanks and a closed-loop process; "the process is closed loop system so no discharge," he testified. Food-safety expert George Zameska, sworn for the applicant, told the board that the melters operate at temperatures (about 149–150°F) that are "not hot enough to vaporize the chocolate" and that cooling on the line is accomplished by ambient air rather than refrigeration.

Farina said deliveries would begin modestly (about 2–4 inbound deliveries per week to start; approximately 16 outbound containers per month initially) and that cleaning occurs daily with deeper cleaning weekly. Planner Adamson and the board discussed that future rooftop or ground-mounted HVAC placement and phase‑2 exterior equipment screening could require administrative approval or an amended site plan; Farina said no new rooftop units are proposed for the manufacturing area and that fire and sewer approvals (Swedesboro coordination for sewer connection) will be required before operations commence.

Member Kauffman moved to grant the requested waivers and approve PB2026-06 conditioned on the items discussed that evening; Trautz seconded. The motion carried by unanimous roll call. The board closed the public portion, approved the application, and adjourned at approximately 7:59 p.m.

The approval allows ICAM Chocolate USA to proceed with final agency permits and submit any required final compliance materials to board professionals before occupying the site for manufacturing.