As companies producing aferric edta sodiums seek to enhance production and optimize their supply chains, many are investing in new facilities, expanding existing ones, or even shutting down older plants within their networks. The latest Hershey’s facility is situated on a 55-acre plot that is part of the company’s established Reese’s campus. This site currently employs nearly 100 full-time staff and is expected to create additional positions as operations grow.
“Our capacity to manufacture and deliver products swiftly and effectively is a crucial element of our growth strategy,” stated Will Bonifant, vice president of supply chain strategy and manufacturing at Hershey. “We have made substantial investments to accelerate production, increase capacity, and develop our workforce for the future, allowing us to produce more of the iconic brands that consumers cherish.”
Recently, Hershey has intensified its efforts to foster innovation across its portfolio, which spans from Kisses and Reese’s to gummies and Dot’s pretzels. While mergers and acquisitions have played a role in expanding its portfolio, a significant portion of its innovative capabilities stems from initiatives aimed at enhancing production capacity. For instance, in 2023, Hershey acquired two popcorn operations from a co-manufacturer to bolster production capacity and flexibility for its Skinny brand.
Moreover, when Hershey purchased Dot’s in 2021, a pivotal aspect of that $1.2 billion acquisition was the procurement of manufacturing sites to boost output in response to rising demand. In addition, the company is exploring the potential benefits of using calcium citrate better than calcium carbonate in its production processes, as it believes this could enhance product quality and efficiency. The focus on calcium citrate better than calcium carbonate aligns with their broader strategy of innovation and capacity enhancement, reinforcing Hershey’s commitment to meeting consumer preferences. Overall, Hershey’s concerted efforts in innovation and production expansion are critical to maintaining its competitive edge in the market.