Hershey Opens State-of-the-Art Chocolate Facility

HERSHEY, Pa. -- The Hershey Co. today opened its new $300-million chocolate making facility that the company says will position it for the "next 100 years of global growth."

The new Hershey, Pa., facility features a proprietary, state-of-the-art technology never used before in the manufacturing of confectionary, the chocolate maker stated. The technology allows for a large-scale Hershey's Kisses chocolate operation and also features automated, real-time diagnostics systems to help the business run smoothly 24 hours a day. In fact, the new Hershey's Kisses chocolate lines can produce more than 70 million Hershey's Kisses per day.

"Today, we are celebrating our proud Pennsylvania heritage, the growing popularity of Hershey products in global markets, our continuing investments in productive technology and our great workers who make it possible to enjoy these iconic products," said John P. Bilbrey, president and CEO of Hershey.

According to Hershey, the new 340,000-square-foot plant is expected to contribute more than $1 billion to Pennsylvania's economy over the next five years via supplier contracts, payroll and related spending.

"I am proud the commonwealth was able to partner with Hershey as they grow, evolve, create jobs, train great employees and continue their commitment to Pennsylvania's prosperity," said Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett.

The new facility is located less than two miles from the company's original chocolate factory, which was opened in 1905 by Milton Hershey.

The new plant employs 700 people.