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April 16, 2025 - Hershey, PA

Governor Shapiro Joins the Hershey Company to Open New Reese Chocolate Processing Facility After His Administration Helped Streamline Permitting Process to Move at the Speed of Business

Governor Josh Shapiro joined Michele Buck, President and CEO of The Hershey Company, along with elected leaders, to open the new state-of-the-art Reese Chocolate Processing (RCP) facility - Hershey's first fully-integrated digital manufacturing plant and the first new manufacturing facility built at its headquarters in Dauphin County in over three decades. The Governor highlighted how this expansion, supported by his Administration's permitting reforms and economic development strategy, is a major win for Pennsylvania's workforce, communities, and economy.

"From day one, my Administration has been laser-focused on getting stuff done for Pennsylvanians - building an economy that works for everyone, supporting job growth, and making it easier to do business here," said Governor Shapiro. "The new Reese plant is a shining example of what's possible when government moves at the speed of business. Hershey is an iconic Pennsylvania company, and they chose to expand their footprint right here at home - in the sweetest place on Earth. By working together, we are building a business-friendly climate that makes it easier for Pennsylvania-made brands and business to expand, grow, and thrive in our Commonwealth. Hershey's continued investment in Central Pennsylvania shows the world that the Commonwealth is open for business and ready to lead."

The ribbon cutting underscores the Shapiro Administration's ongoing efforts to drive economic growth, cut through red tape, and position Pennsylvania as a top destination for investment and innovation. The new 250,000-square-foot chocolate processing facility sits on a 55-acre site - large enough to hold five NFL football fields - between the Hershey Technical Center and the existing Reese's plant, located at 1000 Reese Avenue. It will produce the chocolate used in a variety of beloved brands including Reese's, KitKat, Symphony, and Special Dark.



Governor Josh Shapiro joins the Hershey Company and Pennsylvania elected officials to officially open the company's newest manufacturing plant - their first new plant in Hershey in over three decades. The Shapiro Administration helped expedite the permitting process for the project, which will employ over 125 workers...Since taking office, Governor Shapiro and his Administration have been focused on getting stuff done for the people of Pennsylvania and creating economic opportunity across the Commonwealth. The Shapiro Administration is ensuring government operates at the speed of business, cutting through red tape, fostering collaboration across Commonwealth agencies and reforming the state permitting process.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27578_gov_hersheyCo_dz_001.JPEG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joins the Hershey Company and Pennsylvania elected officials to officially open the company's newest manufacturing plant - their first new plant in Hershey in over three decades. The Shapiro Administration helped expedite the permitting process for the project, which will employ over 125 workers...Since taking office, Governor Shapiro and his Administration have been focused on getting stuff done for the people of Pennsylvania and creating economic opportunity across the Commonwealth. The Shapiro Administration is ensuring government operates at the speed of business, cutting through red tape, fostering collaboration across Commonwealth agencies and reforming the state permitting process.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27578_gov_hersheyCo_dz_002.JPEG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joins the Hershey Company and Pennsylvania elected officials to officially open the company's newest manufacturing plant - their first new plant in Hershey in over three decades. The Shapiro Administration helped expedite the permitting process for the project, which will employ over 125 workers...Since taking office, Governor Shapiro and his Administration have been focused on getting stuff done for the people of Pennsylvania and creating economic opportunity across the Commonwealth. The Shapiro Administration is ensuring government operates at the speed of business, cutting through red tape, fostering collaboration across Commonwealth agencies and reforming the state permitting process.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27578_gov_hersheyCo_dz_003.JPEG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joins the Hershey Company and Pennsylvania elected officials to officially open the company's newest manufacturing plant - their first new plant in Hershey in over three decades. The Shapiro Administration helped expedite the permitting process for the project, which will employ over 125 workers...Since taking office, Governor Shapiro and his Administration have been focused on getting stuff done for the people of Pennsylvania and creating economic opportunity across the Commonwealth. The Shapiro Administration is ensuring government operates at the speed of business, cutting through red tape, fostering collaboration across Commonwealth agencies and reforming the state permitting process.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27578_gov_hersheyCo_dz_004.JPEG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joins the Hershey Company and Pennsylvania elected officials to officially open the company's newest manufacturing plant - their first new plant in Hershey in over three decades. The Shapiro Administration helped expedite the permitting process for the project, which will employ over 125 workers...Since taking office, Governor Shapiro and his Administration have been focused on getting stuff done for the people of Pennsylvania and creating economic opportunity across the Commonwealth. The Shapiro Administration is ensuring government operates at the speed of business, cutting through red tape, fostering collaboration across Commonwealth agencies and reforming the state permitting process.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27578_gov_hersheyCo_dz_005.JPEG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joins the Hershey Company and Pennsylvania elected officials to officially open the company's newest manufacturing plant - their first new plant in Hershey in over three decades. The Shapiro Administration helped expedite the permitting process for the project, which will employ over 125 workers...Since taking office, Governor Shapiro and his Administration have been focused on getting stuff done for the people of Pennsylvania and creating economic opportunity across the Commonwealth. The Shapiro Administration is ensuring government operates at the speed of business, cutting through red tape, fostering collaboration across Commonwealth agencies and reforming the state permitting process.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27578_gov_hersheyCo_dz_006.JPEG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joins the Hershey Company and Pennsylvania elected officials to officially open the company's newest manufacturing plant - their first new plant in Hershey in over three decades. The Shapiro Administration helped expedite the permitting process for the project, which will employ over 125 workers...Since taking office, Governor Shapiro and his Administration have been focused on getting stuff done for the people of Pennsylvania and creating economic opportunity across the Commonwealth. The Shapiro Administration is ensuring government operates at the speed of business, cutting through red tape, fostering collaboration across Commonwealth agencies and reforming the state permitting process.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27578_gov_hersheyCo_dz_007.JPEG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joins the Hershey Company and Pennsylvania elected officials to officially open the company's newest manufacturing plant - their first new plant in Hershey in over three decades. The Shapiro Administration helped expedite the permitting process for the project, which will employ over 125 workers...Since taking office, Governor Shapiro and his Administration have been focused on getting stuff done for the people of Pennsylvania and creating economic opportunity across the Commonwealth. The Shapiro Administration is ensuring government operates at the speed of business, cutting through red tape, fostering collaboration across Commonwealth agencies and reforming the state permitting process.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27578_gov_hersheyCo_dz_008.JPEG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joins the Hershey Company and Pennsylvania elected officials to officially open the company's newest manufacturing plant - their first new plant in Hershey in over three decades. The Shapiro Administration helped expedite the permitting process for the project, which will employ over 125 workers...Since taking office, Governor Shapiro and his Administration have been focused on getting stuff done for the people of Pennsylvania and creating economic opportunity across the Commonwealth. The Shapiro Administration is ensuring government operates at the speed of business, cutting through red tape, fostering collaboration across Commonwealth agencies and reforming the state permitting process.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27578_gov_hersheyCo_dz_009.JPEG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joins the Hershey Company and Pennsylvania elected officials to officially open the company's newest manufacturing plant - their first new plant in Hershey in over three decades. The Shapiro Administration helped expedite the permitting process for the project, which will employ over 125 workers...Since taking office, Governor Shapiro and his Administration have been focused on getting stuff done for the people of Pennsylvania and creating economic opportunity across the Commonwealth. The Shapiro Administration is ensuring government operates at the speed of business, cutting through red tape, fostering collaboration across Commonwealth agencies and reforming the state permitting process.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27578_gov_hersheyCo_dz_010.JPEG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joins the Hershey Company and Pennsylvania elected officials to officially open the company's newest manufacturing plant - their first new plant in Hershey in over three decades. The Shapiro Administration helped expedite the permitting process for the project, which will employ over 125 workers...Since taking office, Governor Shapiro and his Administration have been focused on getting stuff done for the people of Pennsylvania and creating economic opportunity across the Commonwealth. The Shapiro Administration is ensuring government operates at the speed of business, cutting through red tape, fostering collaboration across Commonwealth agencies and reforming the state permitting process.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27578_gov_hersheyCo_dz_011.JPEG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joins the Hershey Company and Pennsylvania elected officials to officially open the company's newest manufacturing plant - their first new plant in Hershey in over three decades. The Shapiro Administration helped expedite the permitting process for the project, which will employ over 125 workers...Since taking office, Governor Shapiro and his Administration have been focused on getting stuff done for the people of Pennsylvania and creating economic opportunity across the Commonwealth. The Shapiro Administration is ensuring government operates at the speed of business, cutting through red tape, fostering collaboration across Commonwealth agencies and reforming the state permitting process.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27578_gov_hersheyCo_dz_012.JPEG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joins the Hershey Company and Pennsylvania elected officials to officially open the company's newest manufacturing plant - their first new plant in Hershey in over three decades. The Shapiro Administration helped expedite the permitting process for the project, which will employ over 125 workers...Since taking office, Governor Shapiro and his Administration have been focused on getting stuff done for the people of Pennsylvania and creating economic opportunity across the Commonwealth. The Shapiro Administration is ensuring government operates at the speed of business, cutting through red tape, fostering collaboration across Commonwealth agencies and reforming the state permitting process.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27578_gov_hersheyCo_dz_013.JPEG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joins the Hershey Company and Pennsylvania elected officials to officially open the company's newest manufacturing plant - their first new plant in Hershey in over three decades. The Shapiro Administration helped expedite the permitting process for the project, which will employ over 125 workers...Since taking office, Governor Shapiro and his Administration have been focused on getting stuff done for the people of Pennsylvania and creating economic opportunity across the Commonwealth. The Shapiro Administration is ensuring government operates at the speed of business, cutting through red tape, fostering collaboration across Commonwealth agencies and reforming the state permitting process.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27578_gov_hersheyCo_dz_014.JPEG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joins the Hershey Company and Pennsylvania elected officials to officially open the company's newest manufacturing plant - their first new plant in Hershey in over three decades. The Shapiro Administration helped expedite the permitting process for the project, which will employ over 125 workers...Since taking office, Governor Shapiro and his Administration have been focused on getting stuff done for the people of Pennsylvania and creating economic opportunity across the Commonwealth. The Shapiro Administration is ensuring government operates at the speed of business, cutting through red tape, fostering collaboration across Commonwealth agencies and reforming the state permitting process.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27578_gov_hersheyCo_dz_015.JPEG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joins the Hershey Company and Pennsylvania elected officials to officially open the company's newest manufacturing plant - their first new plant in Hershey in over three decades. The Shapiro Administration helped expedite the permitting process for the project, which will employ over 125 workers...Since taking office, Governor Shapiro and his Administration have been focused on getting stuff done for the people of Pennsylvania and creating economic opportunity across the Commonwealth. The Shapiro Administration is ensuring government operates at the speed of business, cutting through red tape, fostering collaboration across Commonwealth agencies and reforming the state permitting process.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27578_gov_hersheyCo_dz_016.JPEG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joins the Hershey Company and Pennsylvania elected officials to officially open the company's newest manufacturing plant - their first new plant in Hershey in over three decades. The Shapiro Administration helped expedite the permitting process for the project, which will employ over 125 workers...Since taking office, Governor Shapiro and his Administration have been focused on getting stuff done for the people of Pennsylvania and creating economic opportunity across the Commonwealth. The Shapiro Administration is ensuring government operates at the speed of business, cutting through red tape, fostering collaboration across Commonwealth agencies and reforming the state permitting process.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27578_gov_hersheyCo_dz_017.JPEG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joins the Hershey Company and Pennsylvania elected officials to officially open the company's newest manufacturing plant - their first new plant in Hershey in over three decades. The Shapiro Administration helped expedite the permitting process for the project, which will employ over 125 workers...Since taking office, Governor Shapiro and his Administration have been focused on getting stuff done for the people of Pennsylvania and creating economic opportunity across the Commonwealth. The Shapiro Administration is ensuring government operates at the speed of business, cutting through red tape, fostering collaboration across Commonwealth agencies and reforming the state permitting process.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27578_gov_hersheyCo_dz_018.JPEG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joins the Hershey Company and Pennsylvania elected officials to officially open the company's newest manufacturing plant - their first new plant in Hershey in over three decades. The Shapiro Administration helped expedite the permitting process for the project, which will employ over 125 workers...Since taking office, Governor Shapiro and his Administration have been focused on getting stuff done for the people of Pennsylvania and creating economic opportunity across the Commonwealth. The Shapiro Administration is ensuring government operates at the speed of business, cutting through red tape, fostering collaboration across Commonwealth agencies and reforming the state permitting process.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27578_gov_hersheyCo_dz_019.JPEG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joins the Hershey Company and Pennsylvania elected officials to officially open the company's newest manufacturing plant - their first new plant in Hershey in over three decades. The Shapiro Administration helped expedite the permitting process for the project, which will employ over 125 workers...Since taking office, Governor Shapiro and his Administration have been focused on getting stuff done for the people of Pennsylvania and creating economic opportunity across the Commonwealth. The Shapiro Administration is ensuring government operates at the speed of business, cutting through red tape, fostering collaboration across Commonwealth agencies and reforming the state permitting process.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27578_gov_hersheyCo_dz_020.JPEG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joins the Hershey Company and Pennsylvania elected officials to officially open the company's newest manufacturing plant - their first new plant in Hershey in over three decades. The Shapiro Administration helped expedite the permitting process for the project, which will employ over 125 workers...Since taking office, Governor Shapiro and his Administration have been focused on getting stuff done for the people of Pennsylvania and creating economic opportunity across the Commonwealth. The Shapiro Administration is ensuring government operates at the speed of business, cutting through red tape, fostering collaboration across Commonwealth agencies and reforming the state permitting process.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27578_gov_hersheyCo_dz_021.JPEG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joins the Hershey Company and Pennsylvania elected officials to officially open the company's newest manufacturing plant - their first new plant in Hershey in over three decades. The Shapiro Administration helped expedite the permitting process for the project, which will employ over 125 workers...Since taking office, Governor Shapiro and his Administration have been focused on getting stuff done for the people of Pennsylvania and creating economic opportunity across the Commonwealth. The Shapiro Administration is ensuring government operates at the speed of business, cutting through red tape, fostering collaboration across Commonwealth agencies and reforming the state permitting process.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27578_gov_hersheyCo_dz_022.JPEG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joins the Hershey Company and Pennsylvania elected officials to officially open the company's newest manufacturing plant - their first new plant in Hershey in over three decades. The Shapiro Administration helped expedite the permitting process for the project, which will employ over 125 workers...Since taking office, Governor Shapiro and his Administration have been focused on getting stuff done for the people of Pennsylvania and creating economic opportunity across the Commonwealth. The Shapiro Administration is ensuring government operates at the speed of business, cutting through red tape, fostering collaboration across Commonwealth agencies and reforming the state permitting process.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27578_gov_hersheyCo_dz_023.JPEG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joins the Hershey Company and Pennsylvania elected officials to officially open the company's newest manufacturing plant - their first new plant in Hershey in over three decades. The Shapiro Administration helped expedite the permitting process for the project, which will employ over 125 workers...Since taking office, Governor Shapiro and his Administration have been focused on getting stuff done for the people of Pennsylvania and creating economic opportunity across the Commonwealth. The Shapiro Administration is ensuring government operates at the speed of business, cutting through red tape, fostering collaboration across Commonwealth agencies and reforming the state permitting process.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27578_gov_hersheyCo_dz_024.JPEG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joins the Hershey Company and Pennsylvania elected officials to officially open the company's newest manufacturing plant - their first new plant in Hershey in over three decades. The Shapiro Administration helped expedite the permitting process for the project, which will employ over 125 workers...Since taking office, Governor Shapiro and his Administration have been focused on getting stuff done for the people of Pennsylvania and creating economic opportunity across the Commonwealth. The Shapiro Administration is ensuring government operates at the speed of business, cutting through red tape, fostering collaboration across Commonwealth agencies and reforming the state permitting process.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27578_gov_hersheyCo_dz_025.JPEG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joins the Hershey Company and Pennsylvania elected officials to officially open the company's newest manufacturing plant - their first new plant in Hershey in over three decades. The Shapiro Administration helped expedite the permitting process for the project, which will employ over 125 workers...Since taking office, Governor Shapiro and his Administration have been focused on getting stuff done for the people of Pennsylvania and creating economic opportunity across the Commonwealth. The Shapiro Administration is ensuring government operates at the speed of business, cutting through red tape, fostering collaboration across Commonwealth agencies and reforming the state permitting process.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27578_gov_hersheyCo_dz_026.JPEG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joins the Hershey Company and Pennsylvania elected officials to officially open the company's newest manufacturing plant - their first new plant in Hershey in over three decades. The Shapiro Administration helped expedite the permitting process for the project, which will employ over 125 workers...Since taking office, Governor Shapiro and his Administration have been focused on getting stuff done for the people of Pennsylvania and creating economic opportunity across the Commonwealth. The Shapiro Administration is ensuring government operates at the speed of business, cutting through red tape, fostering collaboration across Commonwealth agencies and reforming the state permitting process.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27578_gov_hersheyCo_dz_027.JPEG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joins the Hershey Company and Pennsylvania elected officials to officially open the company's newest manufacturing plant - their first new plant in Hershey in over three decades. The Shapiro Administration helped expedite the permitting process for the project, which will employ over 125 workers...Since taking office, Governor Shapiro and his Administration have been focused on getting stuff done for the people of Pennsylvania and creating economic opportunity across the Commonwealth. The Shapiro Administration is ensuring government operates at the speed of business, cutting through red tape, fostering collaboration across Commonwealth agencies and reforming the state permitting process.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27578_gov_hersheyCo_dz_028.JPEG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joins the Hershey Company and Pennsylvania elected officials to officially open the company's newest manufacturing plant - their first new plant in Hershey in over three decades. The Shapiro Administration helped expedite the permitting process for the project, which will employ over 125 workers...Since taking office, Governor Shapiro and his Administration have been focused on getting stuff done for the people of Pennsylvania and creating economic opportunity across the Commonwealth. The Shapiro Administration is ensuring government operates at the speed of business, cutting through red tape, fostering collaboration across Commonwealth agencies and reforming the state permitting process.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/27578_gov_hersheyCo_dz_029.JPEG" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a>