RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that The Hershey Company, North America's leading chocolate and confectionery manufacturer, will invest $25 million to expand manufacturing capacity at its facility in Augusta County, creating 150 new jobs.
“Hershey is a household name that has been an important corporate partner to Augusta County since 1981,” said Governor Kaine. “The company started with fewer than 100 employees in Virginia and now employs more than 750. This significant investment and 150 new jobs demonstrate the continued growth and success that Hershey has experienced with the Shenandoah Valley’s excellent workforce and the Commonwealth’s positive business climate.
With revenues of nearly $5 billion and more than 13,000 employees worldwide, The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) markets world famous s brands, such as Hershey's, Reese's, Hershey's Kisses, and Ice Breakers.
“This investment in our Stuarts Draft facility marks a significant step in ensuring the long-term competitiveness of The Hershey Company,” said Gregg Tanner, Senior Vice President, Global Operations, The Hershey Company. “We’re pleased to continue our partnership with Augusta County and Virginia, which has contributed greatly to the success of this facility. I want to thank our Stuarts Draft employees for their continued passion and dedication to making the world’s greatest chocolate and confectionery products.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Augusta County and the Shenandoah Valley Partnership to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Kaine approved $200,000 from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Augusta County with the project. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will support the project with training assistance through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.
“Hershey has been a wonderful corporate citizen and an important part of our economy since 1981,” said Nancy Sorrells, Chairwoman of the Augusta County Board of Supervisors. “The company’s continued investment in our community will further enhance that partnership by providing high quality jobs and an expanded tax base for Augusta County and the surrounding region.”