Hershey’s has marked a significant milestone with the grand opening of its new Reese’s chocolate processing plant on April 16, 2025, at its headquarters in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The ceremony was attended by key dignitaries, including Michele Buck, Hershey’s Chair, President & CEO, and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. This new facility is Hershey’s first new manufacturing plant at its headquarters in over 30 years, signifying a major investment in its production capabilities. The plant is situated on a 55-acre site between the Hershey Technical Center and 1000 Reese Ave Hershey’s Pennsylvania Campus.
A State-of-the-Art Facility
The new facility spans 250,000 square feet, equivalent to the size of five NFL football fields, and is designed to produce chocolate for several iconic brands, including Reese’s, KitKat, Symphony, Special Dark, and Hershey’s. This plant is Hershey’s first fully digitally integrated and automated manufacturing facility, representing a significant step forward in the company’s digital manufacturing roadmap, as noted by Michele Buck, CEO of Hershey. The facility’s advanced technology and automation capabilities will enable Hershey’s to enhance its production efficiency and product quality. For those interested in learning more about Hershey’s recent developments, you can visit their official website for the latest updates.
Strategic Investment in Supply Chain Modernization
The new Reese’s chocolate processing plant is part of Hershey’s $1 billion investment to expand and modernize its supply chain across North America. This investment includes the introduction of 13 new production lines and upgrades to 11 existing lines. The construction of the new facility was completed in under two and a half years, facilitated by streamlined permitting processes and collaboration with state authorities. As Michele Buck highlighted, this facility exemplifies the next step in Hershey’s digital manufacturing roadmap. You might be interested in learning about other companies that are also innovating in the food industry, such as Blommer Chocolate’s innovation hub, which is making waves in the chocolate production sector – more information can be found here.
Economic Impact and Workforce Development
The new facility is expected to create over 125 new jobs, adding to Hershey’s existing workforce of 6,000 employees in Pennsylvania. This expansion not only enhances Hershey’s production capacity but also contributes to the local economy. Will Bonifant, Vice President of Supply Chain Strategy and Manufacturing, emphasized that the ability to produce and deliver products quickly and efficiently is a key component of Hershey’s growth strategy. The company has made significant investments to speed up production, increase capacity, and develop its workforce for the future. If you’re a local business owner looking to get featured in a directory, you can submit your dessert shop for consideration.
Products and Future Growth
The primary focus of the new facility is on processing chocolate for Hershey’s iconic brands. By strengthening its production capacity and agility, Hershey’s is better positioned to meet consumer demand. This facility represents a capstone event in Hershey’s multi-year investment strategy, aimed at enhancing its manufacturing capabilities. For recipe inspiration using Hershey’s products, you can check out this Hershey’s bar cake recipe or this Hershey’s Kiss cookies recipe.
Future Prospects and Community Engagement
As Hershey’s continues to grow and expand its operations, it’s also focusing on community engagement and development. The company is committed to developing its workforce and contributing to the local economy. For those interested in being part of this ecosystem, either as a consumer or a business, there are opportunities to engage with Hershey’s through various channels. You can also submit your dessert recipe to be featured, or explore more about Hershey’s recent acquisitions, such as the LesserEvil snack acquisition, on our site. Furthermore, Hershey’s commitment to growth is also reflected in its leadership appointments, such as the appointment of a new Chief Growth Officer, more details about which can be found here. For fans of Hershey’s and foodies alike, there’s a lot to look forward to in the world of chocolate and beyond.