Hershey Opens New State-of-the-Art Chocolate Facility in Pennsylvania

Hershey’s New Facility: A Milestone for Pennsylvania’s Economy

In an ambitious move to strengthen its foothold in Pennsylvania, The Hershey Company has unveiled a state-of-the-art Reese Chocolate Processing facility. This development is part of a $1 billion expansion strategy, reflecting the company’s deep-rooted commitment to the state and Pennsylvanian manufacturing.

Located in Hershey, PA, the new plant is the company’s first new-build manufacturing facility at its headquarters in over 30 years. Governor Josh Shapiro, who attended the opening ceremony with Michele Buck, CEO of The Hershey Company, emphasized the importance of this project in boosting local economy and employment. He stated, “The new Reese plant is a shining example of what’s possible when government moves at the speed of business.”

Governor Shapiro’s administration played a crucial role in facilitating the rapid completion of this facility by expediting permits and removing bureaucratic hurdles. The plant, which took less than two and a half years to complete, is expected to create over 125 jobs, further solidifying Pennsylvania’s status as a leader in advanced manufacturing.

State-of-the-Art Chocolate Processing

The newly inaugurated Reese Chocolate Processing facility spans a 250,000-square-foot area, enough to fit five NFL football fields. Strategically located between the Hershey Technical Center and the existing Reese’s plant, it will produce chocolate for several iconic brands including Reese’s, KitKat, Symphony, and Special Dark.

This facility is part of Hershey’s larger plan to enhance production capabilities across North America. With 13 new production lines and upgrades to 11 existing ones, the company aims to streamline operations and meet increasing consumer demand. “Our ability to make and deliver products both quickly and efficiently is a key component of our growth strategy,” stated Will Bonifant, Vice President of Supply Chain Strategy and Manufacturing at Hershey.

Economic Impact and Future Goals

The Hershey’s expansion is a testament to the Shapiro Administration’s successful economic policies. Since taking office, the administration has attracted over $3.7 billion in private sector investments, creating thousands of jobs. The collaboration between the state and Hershey not only boosts the local economy but also supports Pennsylvania’s agricultural sector by utilizing 400 million pounds of locally produced milk annually.

Governor Shapiro’s efforts have been geared towards creating a business-friendly environment, as evidenced by investments in infrastructure, innovation, and workforce development. The administration’s 10-year Economic Development Strategy aims to position Pennsylvania as a national leader in job creation and economic growth, particularly in manufacturing—a key industry highlighted during the Reese plant opening.

Further initiatives include securing $500 million for site development, investing in downtown revitalization projects, and modernizing the state’s permitting process. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to make Pennsylvania a top destination for business and innovation.