Hershey to Open New Facility in Pennsylvania

The Hershey Co. started building a new 250,000 square-foot chocolate factory in Hershey, Pennsylvania, close to its existing Reese’s plant. The project was part of a $1 billion investment in its supply chain network. The new chocolate facility is planned to open in early 2024.  

Hershey’s strategy includes expanding existing facilities and developing new capabilities to drive the production of its core brands while building the capacity needed for continued growth, the company said. The expansion project will add 13 production lines and upgrade 11 existing lines in other North American facilities.

Pending final planning approvals, the new facility will support production capabilities for candy brands including Reese’s, Kit Kat and Hershey’s.

Since 2019, the company said it has seen 5% compounded retail sales growth in seasonal candy sales and 15% compounded retail sales growth in snack size. A forthcoming line expansion at the West Hershey plant is planned to help meet the increased demand for seasonal snack-size packages.