Kerry Group, a global food and beverage company, selected the Lehigh Valley as the site for its first Pennsylvania manufacturing plant. Kerry, based in Ireland with 21,000 employees worldwide, will open a multi-million-dollar operation in Hanover Township, Northampton County, for coffee roasting and extraction. The investment is set to create 61 jobs and strengthen the region’s growing food and beverage production market.
The state is investing $516,880 to support the operation, which includes plans for future expansion.
“With this acquisition, Kerry is enhancing production capabilities and leveraging advanced technologies to meet the rising demand for all-natural coffee ingredients across multiple markets, ultimately driving business growth and innovation,” said John Cahalane, President and CEO of Kerry North America. “We are especially proud to partner with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, whose support has been instrumental in making this expansion possible. This collaboration reinforces our belief that Bethlehem is the right place to grow our coffee business and deepen our commitment to sustainable nutrition and local community development.”
The company is leasing a building that previously was the location of Martin Bauer Group, another beverage producer. In addition to the new jobs, Kerry is retaining 16 employees from the previous operation.
The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development is providing a $316,880 Pennsylvania First grant and a $200,000 WEDnetPA grant for workforce training. Kerry Group was also encouraged to apply for the Manufacturing Tax Credit Program, which could provide additional tax savings.
“Agriculture is at the heart of our economic development strategy – and this investment from Kerry shows that economic growth and opportunity flows right through Pennsylvania’s farmlands,” Gov. Josh Shapiro said in announcing Kerry Group’s investment on Sept. 26.
Lehigh Valley is home to more than 100 international companies. Food and beverage producers are a cornerstone of the region’s manufacturing-driven economy. In the past 15 years, employment in food and beverage manufacturing has grown by 76%. Global brands that operate in the Lehigh Valley include Coca-Cola, Ocean Spray, Boston Beer Co., Freshpet, Just Born, Bakerly/Norac Foods, and Bimbo Bakeries.
In June, Turkish candy producer Kervan USA broke ground on a $20 million facility for manufacturing and packaging in Bethlehem and Lower Nazareth townships that will also serve as the company’s U.S. headquarters.
“A leading global company like Kerry could have chosen to expand anywhere, and we are thrilled that they chose Pennsylvania,” said Rick Siger, Pennsylvania Secretary of Community and Economic Development. “The Shapiro Administration is working hard to attract international business and industry to the Commonwealth as we help drive manufacturing and food production around the world. Kerry’s facility in Bethlehem will spur further economic development in Pennsylvania and provide excellent career opportunities for people in Northampton County.”
Photos provided by Violet PR.
