This Massive Pennsylvania Factory Cranks Out Up To 70 Million Hershey’s Kisses A Day
By Beth Price-Williams|Published August 22, 2020
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Hershey’s Chocolate has become synonymous with Pennsylvania. It’s arguably the state’s most famous chocolate company. Many of us have visited Hershey and its many chocolate-themed attractions – from Hersheypark to Hershey’s Chocolate World. However, we might not be familiar with the massive Pennsylvania factory that makes some of our favorite chocolate.
Generations of Pennsylvanians have grown up knowing – and eating – Hershey’s Chocolate. We owe that chocolate goodness to Milton Hershey, who established the Hershey brand in 1894.
At the turn of the 20th century, chocolate was still a treat only the upper class enjoyed. Milton Hershey changed all of that when he opened his factory and decided chocolate would be affordable to all.
In the first decade of the 20th century, Hershey oversaw the creation of the town of Hershey, Hersheypark, and The Milton Hershey School for orphaned boys.
Hershey’s Kisses, perhaps the most famous of all of Hershey’s chocolate, debuted in 1907. Back then, factory workers individually wrapped each of the kisses that would become an American favorite.
Today, the Hershey Manufacturing Plant in West Hershey is able to make up to 70 million Hershey’s Kisses each day. The factory also churns out Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Almond Bars and chocolate syrup.
Known as one of the world’s largest chocolate plants, the Hershey factory underwent a $300 million expansion in 2012, doubling the factory’s size. Just across the street from the massive Pennsylvania factory is the Hershey plant that makes Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
The plant boasts more than 1,000 employees. At peak times, including during Valentine’s Day and Christmas, the plant often produces Hershey’s Kisses 24 hours a day, up to 70 million in a single 24-hour period.
Did you know about this massive Pennsylvania factory? What’s your favorite Hershey’s chocolate? Join the conversation in the comments! Next time you’re in the Hershey area, you’ll definitely want to stop Hershey’s Chocolate World, home to the world’s largest Hershey candy store.
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