Hershey plant expansion approved

HERSHEY, Pa. - Chocolate maker Hershey has gained township approval for a $200 million expansion project that would shift production from a century-old plant to a modern facility nearby.

Derry Township supervisors on Tuesday approved the final land development plans for the 243,000-square-foot expansion at a plant in West Hershey.

After construction is complete, production would shift to the expanded facility from the original plant built by company founder Milton Hershey.

Company officials say the existing 105-year-old plant has low ceilings and a troublesome layout. The building on Chocolate Avenue would be converted to office space following the move.