The Hershey Co. is planning to construct a new chocolate facility on a 55-acre site near its existing Reese’s manufacturing plant in Derry Township, Pennsylvania to scale its production.

The 250,000-square-foot facility will be part of the American chocolate manufacturer’s $1 billion multi-year investment to ramp up its supply chain.

The new chocolate factory will manufacture Reese’s, Hershey’s, and Kit Kat products.

Will Bonifant — Hershey US and Canada supply chain vice president said: “We are committed to investing to meet the needs of our consumers in collaboration with our retail partners and suppliers.

“Investing in the strengths of our core brands — made right here in our hometown – will ensure that we’re meeting those consumer needs across a wide variety of snacking occasions and will help fuel future growth.”

Construction on the new chocolate facility is expected to commence this month with a target to begin operations in early 2024.

Under its multi-year investment plan, Hershey is expected to add 13 production lines and upgrade 11 existing lines in other North American locations to scale its manufacturing capabilities.

  Confectionery industry news, Pennsylvania, The Hershey Company, USA, Will Bonifant