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New Chocolate Processing Facility Opens in Hershey

The grand opening of the new Hershey Chocolate Processing Facility, highlighting innovation and job creation.

News Summary

Hershey, Pennsylvania has unveiled a new chocolate processing facility, marking the first manufacturing plant opened by the Hershey Company in 30 years. Officially named the Reese’s Chocolate Processing facility, this expansive plant encompasses 250,000 square feet and aims to meet the growing demand for beloved treats like Reese’s and KitKat. With an investment of $1 billion, Hershey is committed to innovation and job creation, adding approximately 120 jobs to the local economy. The grand opening featured local officials highlighting the positive impact on Pennsylvania’s business landscape.

Big News in Hershey: New Chocolate Processing Facility Opens!

Hershey, Pennsylvania is now home to a brand-new chocolate processing facility, marking a sweet moment in the city’s history. On April 16, 2025, the Hershey Company cut the ribbon on its first new manufacturing plant in 30 years, revitalizing the area with hopes, jobs, and, of course, delicious chocolate!

Introducing the Reese’s Chocolate Processing Facility

This exciting addition is officially known as the Reese’s Chocolate Processing facility, situated on a sprawling 55-acre site and covering a whopping 250,000 square feet. It’s perfectly nestled between an existing Reese’s site and the Hershey Technical Center, making it a strategic location for chocolate lovers everywhere.

The facility signifies a giant leap into the future for the Hershey Company as it becomes the brand’s first fully integrated digital manufacturing plant. That means they’re embracing advanced technology to produce chocolate like never before!

More Than Just Chocolate

So, what kind of goodies can we expect from this new facility? It will be busy producing beloved products such as Reese’s, KitKat, Hershey’s Symphony, and Special Dark chocolates. With the demand for these treats always on the rise, this facility is poised to keep up with the sweet cravings of chocolate fans everywhere!

Part of a Bigger Vision

The opening of this state-of-the-art plant is part of Hershey’s larger vision, which involves a bold $1 billion initiative designed to upgrade 11 existing production lines and introduce 13 new ones across North America. The company is serious about keeping up with chocolate demand and ensuring that they can deliver those sweet treats efficiently and swiftly.

Hershey’s VP of supply chain strategy and manufacturing emphasized that speed and efficiency are key components of their growth strategy. This new facility is expected to significantly enhance production speed, increase capacity, and develop the workforce to meet future needs.

Growing Jobs in the Community

As part of its commitment to the local community, the new facility will initially welcome about 100 full-time employees, with plans to add even more positions as production ramps up. This is expected to add around 120 jobs to an existing workforce of over 6,000 that Hershey supports in Pennsylvania. It’s not just a win for chocolate; it’s a win for the local economy too!

A Celebration with Local Officials

The grand opening was attended by Hershey’s CEO and various state officials, showcasing the importance of this facility to both the Hershey Company and the community. Governor Shapiro underscored that such expansions highlight Pennsylvania’s business-friendly climate and commitment to supporting local brands.

Delayed but Worth the Wait

This facility was initially set to open its doors in early 2024, but after nearly three years of construction, it is here and ready to start churning out chocolate magic. It’s safe to say the wait was definitely worth it!

Conclusion

With the launch of the new Reese’s Chocolate Processing facility, Hershey, Pennsylvania is solidifying its place as a chocolate lover’s paradise. As this facility begins operations, it brings with it innovation, job creation, and of course, the promise of more delicious chocolate treats. Whether you’re a fan of Reese’s, KitKat, or Hershey’s Symphony, there’s plenty to celebrate in Hershey these days!