SYCAMORE – A south-side industrial site landed a major new tenant Tuesday.

Continental Custom Ingredients announced it will locate its headquarters and a production plant in the Sycamore Prairie Business Park off of Peace and Bethany roads.

The company produces chocolate powders, vitamins, flavorings and other ingredients for use in food production.

The company plans to begin operating in a 128,000 square-foot facility by the end of the year, Sycamore City Manager Bill Nicklas said.

Continental will employ 54 people at the facility when it is completed.

“We’re looking forward to joining Sycamore’s corporate community and moving to the fine business park,” said Bill Fenner, Continental’s director of corporate development.

The company has acquired 15 acres in the industrial development, allowing for future expansion of about 100,000 square feet and add about 46 more employees, Nicklas said.

Continental is employee-owned and is expanding its market, Nicklas said.

“It’s good for Sycamore and DeKalb County,” he said.

The West Chicago-based company operates a factory in Dixon and Ontario, Canada.

“It’s not a large company that’s likely to transfer assets out of the area anytime soon,“ Nicklas said.

In the future, other companies may look at Continental’s experience and be encouraged to locate within the county, Nicklas said.