Kerry Group announces manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania

Pictured: Edmond Scanlon, CEO of Kerry Group

Kerry Group announced plans in September to establish its first manufacturing site in Pennsylvania.

The operation will centre on roasting and producing coffee and sustainable coffee extracts for customers, and is expected to create at least 61 jobs over the next three years.

Kerry, the food and ingredients company headed by chief executive Edmond Scanlon, will lease a premises in Hanover Township, Bethlehem.

John Cahalane, president and chief executive of Kerry North America, described the move as an important step for the company’s coffee extract division.

“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,” he said.

He continued: “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 project is receiving backing from the administration of Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro, with support amounting to $516,000 (€440,000) through the state’s Department of Community and Economic Development.

This package includes a $316,880 Pennsylvania First grant and a further $200,000 from WEDnetPA to assist with staff training.

Governor Shapiro said the investment highlights the economic growth and opportunity that “flows right through Pennsylvania’s farmlands”.

He added: “My administration is laser-focused on competing for international business — and winning — to bring new investments like Kerry here to drive real economic growth for Pennsylvania workers and communities.”