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

Hershey's New Facility: A Boost for Pennsylvania's Economy

In a significant move to bolster its operations, Hershey has launched a cutting-edge manufacturing facility in Hershey, Pennsylvania. This development is a part of the company's ambitious $1 billion expansion strategy, marking its first new manufacturing plant at its headquarters in more than three decades.

The initiative is closely aligned with the Shapiro Administration's agenda to streamline processes, cut bureaucratic delays, and enhance Pennsylvania's competitive edge in the industry.

The new Reese Chocolate Processing plant was completed in a record time of under two and a half years, bringing more than 125 new jobs to the region and strengthening Pennsylvania's status as a leader in advanced manufacturing.

Hershey, PA – Governor Josh Shapiro, along with Michele Buck, President and CEO of The Hershey Company, and other leaders, celebrated the opening of this advanced facility, which is Hershey's first fully-integrated digital manufacturing plant. Governor Shapiro emphasized the significance of this expansion, attributing it to his administration's focus on reforming permitting processes and promoting economic development.

“From day one, my Administration has been laser-focused on getting stuff done for Pennsylvanians — building an economy that works for everyone, supporting job growth, and making it easier to do business here,” said Governor Shapiro. “The new Reese plant is a shining example of what’s possible when government moves at the speed of business. Hershey is an iconic Pennsylvania company, and they chose to expand their footprint right here at home – in the sweetest place on Earth. By working together, we are building a business-friendly climate that makes it easier for Pennsylvania-made brands and business to expand, grow, and thrive in our Commonwealth. Hershey’s continued investment in Central Pennsylvania shows the world that the Commonwealth is open for business and ready to lead.”

Spanning 250,000 square feet — enough to accommodate five NFL football fields — the facility is situated between the Hershey Technical Center and the existing Reese’s plant on Reese Avenue. It will produce chocolate for popular brands like Reese’s, KitKat, Symphony, and Special Dark. This project is part of Hershey’s broader investment strategy, which also includes new production lines and upgrades across North American facilities.

“Our ability to make and deliver products both quickly and efficiently is a key component of our growth strategy,” stated Will Bonifant, Hershey’s Vice President of Supply Chain Strategy and Manufacturing. “We’ve made significant investments to speed production, increase capacity and develop our workforce for the future to make more of the iconic brands consumers love.”

The Shapiro Administration's efforts in expediting permitting processes were crucial in the timely completion of the facility. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection successfully reduced review times for essential permits, contributing to the project’s swift execution.

This development is a testament to Pennsylvania's rich history with Hershey, which began with Milton S. Hershey's pivot from caramels to chocolate in the late 1800s. The company now boasts over 100 global brands and recorded a revenue of $11.2 billion in 2023.

Governor Shapiro has championed numerous economic initiatives to enhance Pennsylvania's business climate. These include securing substantial site development funding, cutting corporate tax rates, and launching innovative programs like PAyback.pa.gov for increased accountability in permit processing.

For more details on Governor Shapiro’s economic strategy, visit Governor Shapiro’s Budget website.