Everything You Need to Know About the June 22, 2024 Job Fair in Rockford IL by Perfetti Van Melle

The June 22, 2024 job fair in Rockford IL Perfetti event marked a significant milestone for both job seekers and the regional economy. Held in the heart of Rockford, Illinois, this job fair was organized by Perfetti Van Melle, a global name in confectionery manufacturing known for brands like Mentos, Airheads, and Chupa Chups.

With a mission to expand its talent pool and invest in the local community, Perfetti used this event to connect with hundreds of motivated professionals across various industries.

This job fair not only served as a hiring platform but also showcased the evolving employment landscape in the Rockford area. Whether you’re someone looking for manufacturing roles, technical jobs, or management opportunities, this event was designed to offer something for everyone.

Event Overview

The job fair took place on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at a centrally located venue in Rockford, IL. Organized and hosted by Perfetti Van Melle, the event attracted a large turnout from across Northern Illinois. The purpose of the job fair was clear: to help fill vital roles in Perfetti’s expanding facilities, especially in and around Loves Park, where the company’s production facility is located.

Hundreds of individuals came prepared with resumes, ready to engage in on-the-spot interviews. With an emphasis on accessibility, the event was open to job seekers from all walks of life—including recent graduates, skilled laborers, and career-changers.

About Perfetti Van Melle and Its Local Presence

Perfetti Van Melle is one of the world’s largest manufacturers and marketers of confectionery and chewing gum. While its name is global, its impact in the Rockford area is very much local. The company’s Loves Park facility has been growing in size, capabilities, and workforce. The job fair was part of a larger recruitment initiative to increase staffing from around 300 to over 500 employees to support new production lines and expanded operations.

The decision to host the event in Rockford shows Perfetti’s commitment to community-based hiring and investment in local talent.

Structure and Setup of the Job Fair

The event was well-organized with clear signage, dedicated zones for different job categories, and professional support staff. Inside the venue, multiple booths were arranged based on department types—such as production, maintenance, quality control, engineering, and administration.

A variety of resources were available for attendees, including:

Resume review stations
Quick interview kiosks
Info tables about Perfetti’s work culture and benefits
Guided facility tours to provide candidates with a real-world view of day-to-day operations

These thoughtful additions helped job seekers gain clarity about the positions and the working environment.

Organizations in Attendance

While the June 22, 2024 job fair in Rockford IL Perfetti was hosted primarily by Perfetti Van Melle, it also included participation from other regional employers and staffing agencies. However, the spotlight remained on Perfetti, as they were hiring aggressively across numerous departments.

Key areas of recruitment included:

Production Line Workers
Packaging Operators
Maintenance Technicians
Engineering Staff (Mechanical and Electrical)
Quality Assurance Specialists
HR, Admin, and Supervisory Roles

This mix of operational, technical, and managerial roles offered something for individuals at all career stages.

Opportunities Presented at the Fair

Perfetti’s booth offered detailed job descriptions and real-time updates on openings. Here’s a breakdown of the roles and expected qualifications:

Role	Key Skills Required	Entry-Level Availability	Average Starting Pay
Production Operator	Basic machine handling, stamina	Yes	$20–$23/hr
Maintenance Technician	Electrical/Mechanical repair	No	$25–$30/hr
QA Analyst	Attention to detail, lab work	Limited	$22–$27/hr
Packaging Staff	Speed and accuracy	Yes	$19–$21/hr
Team Leader	Supervisory experience	No	$28–$35/hr

Alongside the job descriptions, representatives provided timelines for onboarding, the interview process, and career progression opportunities. For example, several current supervisors shared that they began in entry-level production roles and advanced through internal training programs.

What Attendees Experienced

Candidates were guided through a smooth process from registration to interviews. Many were offered:

Immediate interview slots
Application support
Personalized resume feedback
Tours of Perfetti’s nearby plant facilities

People appreciated the effort to make the fair more than just a hiring event—it became a mini-career conference. Job seekers could ask questions about company culture, leadership styles, training programs, and even work-life balance policies.

Compensation and Employee Benefits

One major attraction was the company’s robust compensation packages. Employees reported high satisfaction levels, and Perfetti emphasized transparency about their benefits. Offerings included:

Competitive hourly wages and overtime pay
Health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
Retirement plans with employer contributions
Paid time off (PTO), including vacation and personal leave
Wellness programs and employee discounts

Additionally, the company highlighted internal training and educational partnerships that allow employees to pursue certifications and upskill on the job.

How to Prepare for Job Fairs Like This

Job seekers attending the June 22, 2024 job fair in Rockford IL Perfetti were encouraged to come prepared. Here are some tips that helped them succeed:

Bring multiple copies of a well-organized resume tailored to manufacturing or technical jobs.
Dress professionally but comfortably—first impressions still matter.
Prepare a short introduction that summarizes your experience and career goals.
Ask specific questions about shift timings, work culture, training timelines, etc.
Don’t hesitate to follow up after the event via email or LinkedIn.

Post-Fair Hiring Process

Following the fair, Perfetti’s HR team continued conducting interviews, background checks, and reference verification. Selected candidates were contacted within 5–10 business days, depending on the role applied for.

Most successful candidates went through the following process:

Initial screening at the fair
Formal interview at the facility or online
Skills assessment or technical test
Job offer with onboarding documents
Orientation and placement into role

Positive Impact on Rockford’s Workforce

The job fair played a significant role in strengthening Rockford’s local economy. As a large employer, Perfetti’s expansion translated into more stable jobs, improved household incomes, and greater regional development. Their partnership with local colleges and workforce training programs also set the stage for long-term collaboration and skill-building.

Industry Trends and Future Outlook

Throughout the event, discussions also centered on manufacturing trends like automation, sustainability in production, and enhanced workplace safety. Perfetti’s Rockford facility is incorporating state-of-the-art technology, which means employees are expected to engage with tools that are both modern and user-friendly.

Final Takeaways

The June 22, 2024 job fair in Rockford IL Perfetti was not just another recruiting event—it was a strategic investment in people and the future of manufacturing in Illinois. With its thoughtful planning, diverse job offerings, and sincere community involvement, the event stood out as a model for how companies should connect with local talent.

For anyone who missed the event, future hiring opportunities remain available through Perfetti’s career portal and upcoming career fairs. This successful event will likely set the stage for more large-scale hiring events in the region.