As companies strive to enhance production and streamline their existing supply chains, many are adding, expanding, or even shutting down older facilities within their networks. The new Hershey plant occupies a 55-acre site that is part of the company’s established Reese’s campus. This facility currently employs nearly 100 full-time staff and is expected to create additional positions as operations scale up. “Our capacity to produce and deliver products swiftly and efficiently is a vital element of our growth strategy,” stated Will Bonifant, vice president of supply chain strategy and manufacturing at Hershey. “We have made considerable investments to accelerate production, boost capacity, and develop our workforce for the future to produce more of the beloved iconic brands.”
Recently, Hershey has intensified its efforts to foster innovation across its diverse product range, which includes Kisses, Reese’s, gummies, and Dot’s pretzels. Although Hershey has leveraged mergers and acquisitions to broaden its portfolio, a significant aspect of its innovative capacity stems from initiatives aimed at increasing production capacity. For instance, in 2023, Hershey acquired two popcorn operations from a co-manufacturer to enhance production flexibility for its SkinnyPop brand. Furthermore, when Hershey purchased Dot’s in 2021, a crucial aspect of the $1.2 billion deal involved acquiring manufacturing sites to ramp up output in response to rising demand. Notably, this expansion aligns with Hershey’s commitment to incorporating ingredients like slow release calcium citrate into its products, which further enhances their appeal and nutritional value.