Historic Lehigh Valley investment will establish Chobani’s first Pennsylvania dairy operation and dramatically expand demand for locally produced milk
SCHNECKSVILLE, Pa. (September 2, 2026) — Chobani is making a historic $1.2 billion investment in Pennsylvania to establish its first dairy manufacturing operation in the Commonwealth, creating 900 full-time jobs in the Lehigh Valley over the next five years.
The project represents the largest private-sector investment in Pennsylvania agriculture history and is expected to create a major new market for the state’s dairy farmers.
Chobani will assume operations of a 1.5 million-square-foot manufacturing facility in Upper Macungie Township, including equipment and related infrastructure previously operated by Keurig Dr Pepper.
The company plans to use the facility to manufacture innovative food products beyond yogurt, while significantly expanding dairy processing capacity in Pennsylvania.
“This $1.2 billion investment from Chobani is the largest private sector investment in the history of Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry and will strengthen our dairy industry, support our farmers, and reinforce our position as a national leader in agriculture and food manufacturing,” said Gov. Josh Shapiro.
Chobani Facility Could Process 3 Billion Pounds of Pennsylvania Milk Annually
Once fully operational, the Lehigh Valley facility is expected to process more than 3 billion pounds of Pennsylvania milk each year.
That amount is equivalent to approximately 30 percent of all milk currently produced in the Commonwealth and would represent the largest increase in demand for Pennsylvania dairy products in state history.
The new processing capacity is expected to create a significant new customer for Pennsylvania’s more than 4,000 dairy farmers, giving producers expanded market access and helping keep more of the value generated by Pennsylvania milk within the state.
Pennsylvania has the second-highest number of dairy farms in the United States, making dairy a major component of the Commonwealth’s agricultural economy.
Chobani to Create 900 Advanced Food Manufacturing Jobs
The investment will create more than 900 full-time jobs over five years, with positions expected across production, operations, engineering, quality, logistics and other advanced food manufacturing functions.
Chobani said employees will receive competitive wages and industry-leading benefits.
“When we walked into this factory, we knew it was a great fit for what we want to build for the future,” said Hamdi Ulukaya, founder and CEO of Chobani.
Beyond manufacturing, the company plans to work with farmers, local governments, economic development organizations and community partners to strengthen the infrastructure, workforce and supply chains needed to support long-term growth.
Production under Chobani is expected to begin in 2027.
Investment Strengthens Pennsylvania Dairy Supply Chain
The project addresses a long-standing need for additional dairy processing capacity and market access in Pennsylvania.
Family dairy farms across the Commonwealth have sought more in-state processing opportunities, and Chobani’s investment is expected to increase demand for Pennsylvania-produced milk while strengthening the state’s overall dairy supply chain.
By processing more milk locally, the project could also help retain more agricultural economic activity within Pennsylvania while creating new opportunities for suppliers, transportation companies and other supporting industries.
Lehigh Valley Food Manufacturing Sector Continues to Grow
Chobani’s investment adds to an already significant food and beverage manufacturing cluster in the Lehigh Valley.
The sector currently employs approximately 7,000 people in the region.
Since 2020, food and beverage manufacturing employment in the Lehigh Valley has grown by roughly 31 percent, compared with national growth of approximately 9.5 percent over the same period.
The number of food and beverage establishments in the region has also increased by nearly 25 percent, reaching 127.
“We welcome Chobani and its $1.2 billion investment in Pennsylvania to the portfolio of internationally known companies producing brand-name products here in one of America’s top manufacturing markets,” said Don Cunningham, president and CEO of the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp.
Cunningham credited collaboration between state and local partners for helping secure the project.
Chobani Investment Adds Momentum to Pennsylvania Manufacturing
The project reinforces Pennsylvania’s position as a major center for agriculture, food processing and advanced manufacturing.
Local partners supporting the investment include the Lehigh County Authority, Upper Macungie Township, Lower Macungie Township, South Whitehall Township and the City of Allentown.
With $1.2 billion in planned investment, 900 new jobs and the potential to consume roughly 30 percent of Pennsylvania’s current milk production, Chobani’s Lehigh Valley operation is positioned to become one of the most significant food manufacturing projects in the Commonwealth’s history.
