Governor Gilmore Announces Hershey Foods to Invest $45 Million in Augusta County

Dublin, Ireland - During his European trade mission, Governor Jim Gilmore today announced that Hershey Foods Corporation will add an additional production line to its manufacturing facility in Augusta County. This addition will create 80 to 100 new jobs through an investment of $45 million. 

"Virginia is proud to be a second home to one of America's favorite, and one of the nation's finest, chocolate companies," Governor Gilmore said. "Hershey's continued growth is a testament to the fertile business climate the Commonwealth has to offer. With existing companies including Frito-Lay, Maple Leaf and Coors, Virginia is a leader in the food processing industry." 

Governor Gilmore approved a $425,000 grant from the Virginia Investment Partnership (VIP) program to assist Hershey with the new production line. The VIP program is designed to offer financial assistance to existing Virginia companies. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Shenandoah Valley Partnership and Augusta County all provided valuable assistance to Hershey. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce-training services.

"Choosing the location for a new production line is a complex business decision involving numerous factors and we at the Stuarts Draft plant are thrilled to have earned this opportunity," said Don Mastrorocco, plant manager. "Virginia, through programs such as the Virginia Investment Partnership Program, creates a friendly business climate that helps us to compete with our sister plants across the country for expansion of production capabilities."

"As a corporation with a manufacturing facility in Virginia, Hershey has already benefited from the Commonwealth's motivated and high-quality workforce," said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Barry E. DuVal. "With its decision to add an additional manufacturing line at the current facility, both Hershey and Virginia will reap the benefits of the increased productivity."

Hershey Foods Corporation is the leading North American manufacturer of quality chocolate and non-chocolate sweets and chocolate-related grocery products, and has a variety of international operations. Among Hershey's most popular products are: Reese's peanut butter cups, Hershey's milk chocolate and milk chocolate with almond bars, Hershey's Kisses chocolates, Kit Kat wafer bars, Twizzlers candy, Hershey's cocoa, and Hershey's syrup.