Hershey Co. to build facility in South Annville Township: What we know

The Hershey Company is planning a massive facility in South Annville Township near Route 422, a few miles down the road from the company's headquarters in Hershey.  

The manufacturer of chocolates and other confections purchased more than 90 acres of land bordered by Killinger Road and Route 422. A spokesperson for the Hershey Company said they will begin development of the land later this year but declined to share what is planned.

In site plans provided to Lebanon County and the Annville Township Board of Supervisors, the facility is referred to as "Project Beta." According to plans provided to Lebanon County, an 851,265-square-foot warehouse is planned for the site, with a proposed expansion of 333,216 square feet. 

South Annville Township Manager Don Umberger said the land is currently used for agricultural purposes.

The facility is expected to employ about 500 people when it is fully operational, Umberger said. He expects construction to begin this month. 

Hershey spokesman Jeff Beckman said the company will share details about the facility in the "next few weeks."

"This initiative reflects our continued commitment to operating in central Pennsylvania and supporting our local community," Beckman said. 

South Annville Township granted a Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance exemption for the parcel of land, meaning Hershey Company will receive an exemption on portions of its township real estate taxes for several years.  

The supervisors granted the LERTA exemption as a way to attract Hershey Company to the area, Umberger said.  

Nora Shelly can be reached at 717-454-7817 or nshelly@ldnews.com