Revere, MA - Historic candy manufacturer shuttered abruptly after purchase

The New England Confectionary Company—the nation’s oldest continuously operating candy company—faced another blow when it ceased operations Tuesday after current owner Round Hill Investments LLC announced it was selling the Boston landmark to another entity.

Round Hill—which purchased Hostess Brands from bankruptcy in 2013—confirmed the closure of the Revere-based facility in an official statement late Tuesday.

“Round Hill Investments was very excited to acquire NECCO’s historic brands and to be part of their national resurgence,’’ the statement read.. “After careful engagement and consideration however, the firm decided to sell the brands to another national confection manufacturer and today announced the closure of the operations in Revere, Massachusetts.’’

NECCO has been one of the most iconic brands in Boston’s manufacturing history since its founding in 1847, offering national favorites such as Sky Bars, Mary Janes, Thin Mints, Squirrel Nut Caramels, Clark Bars as well as their flagship Necco Wafers.

The confectioner had a long history of buyouts and acquisitions during the past decade, as well as a controversial tax break dispute with the city of Revere in 2011, before finally being sold to the Greenwich, CT investor Round Hill in May of this year.

“We are extremely excited to bring our extensive background and expertise to bear in working to revive NECCO and its amazing brands, all of which have a special place in the heart of America,” said Round Hill principal Evan Metropoulos at the time of the purchase.

Less than two months later, the court-appointed trustee of NECCO sued Round Hill alleging breach of contract and unfair and deceptive business practices after the firm reneged on the final $1M of its $17.3M purchase according to complaints filed in the US Bankruptcy Court in Boston.

At the time of the suit, Round Hill maintains that they were made unaware of serious health violations leveled by the FDA against NECCO’s Revere-based facility, which employs some 230 people. Among the allegations include rodent feces and unknown liquids dripping from ventilation ducts.

At this date, Round Hill has not identified the new owner of NECCO, nor state whether candy production would resume.