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HARRISBURG — A new employer will occupy the shuttered Kraft-Heinz site in the Lehigh Valley, creating 378 new full-time jobs over the next three years.
Gov. Tom Wolf Monday announced that Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) will expand its presence in Pennsylvania to a new facility.
“My administration has been committed to finding the right company to utilize this site, and we are proud that Keurig Dr Pepper has agreed to expand its operations and create new jobs in the commonwealth,” Wolf said.
The company’s new state-of-the-art facility will provide additional capacity for existing and new brands and will help optimize logistics in the Northeast by providing large-scale warehouse operations.
The 1,541,280 square-foot manufacturing, warehouse, and distribution facility will be located in Upper Macungie Township, Lehigh County.
The project includes leasehold improvements, building infrastructure costs, acquisition of equipment, computer equipment and software, furniture, and training.
The company has pledged to create at least 378 new, full-time jobs over the next three years, and will invest at least $219.7 million into the project. KDP will begin accepting applications later this month at www.keurigdrpepper.com/careers.
“KDP is focused on building an integrated, best-in-class manufacturing network that supports the production of all beverages in all categories,” said Fernando Cortes, KDP Chief Supply Chain Officer. “Our new facility in Allentown and additional supply chain investments in existing facilities support our vision for providing a beverage for every consumer. We are excited to become part of the Allentown community as we continue to invest in new and exciting opportunities for growth.”
KDP received a funding proposal from the Department of Community and Economic Development for a $1.5 million Pennsylvania First grant, $170,100 in WEDnetPA funding for worker training, and $1.134 million in Job Creation Tax Credits to be distributed upon creation of the new jobs.
The project was coordinated by the Governor’s Action Team, an experienced group of economic development professionals who report directly to the governor and work with businesses that are considering locating or expanding in Pennsylvania.
“We welcome Keurig Dr Pepper to the large cluster of national food, beverage, and pet food producers that call the Lehigh Valley home,” said Don Cunningham, President & CEO of the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation.
KDP, formed with the 2018 merger of Keurig Green Mountain and Dr Pepper Snapple Group, is a North American beverage manufacturer with dual headquarters in Burlington, Massachusetts, and Plano, Texas. The company holds leadership positions in soft drinks, specialty coffee and tea, water, juice and juice drinks and mixers.