CHICAGO — Germany confectionery Haribo, which created gummy bears nearly a century ago, has named Motion its US PR agency of record, charging the firm with boosting sales while building its first domestic plant.

Starting early next year, the Chicago firm will launch a multi-faceted initiative for Bonn-based Haribo, which remains one of the world’s largest gummy candy manufacturers. Efforts will include national proactive media relations and public relations campaigns across broadcast, digital and print.

There was no incumbent agency, according to Motion, which shares a hometown with Haribo’s US headquarters.

Haribo hired Motion as part of a major push and investment in its US business, which includes opening its first factory in the states.

Ground breaking on the new facility — which will be located in Wisconsin between Chicago and Milwaukee — is slated for next spring. The complex will include a museum and a retail store, and could ultimately employ nearly 1,450 people, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.