Johor Bahru, April 21 — The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) yesterday celebrated the grand opening of Hershey’s new confectionery manufacturing plant in Johor, Malaysia.
Construction of the state-of-the-art plant began in 2014 and was completed in 2016. The new plant supports bringing Hershey’s famous confectionery and snacking treats to consumers across the Asia Pacific region.
“Asia is a key focus for growth for Hershey, and we are pleased to have a modern plant up and running in this central location of the region,” said Richard Camacho, Vice President, Chief Supply Chain Officer, for The Hershey Company. “Our new Malaysia plant gives us expanded capabilities to make our iconic products and the latest innovations so we can deliver freshly made product for consumers across Asia to enjoy.”
Hershey has invested more than US$250 Million in the state-of-the-art factory located in a Free Industrial Zone in Senai, Johor, Malaysia. The new plant has created more than 200 jobs from production employees to management positions, which has helped strengthen the local Johor economy.
Hershey expects to hire an additional 100 positions to complement its current diverse workforce throughout the rest of 2017.
“I’m proud of what our team has built together, taking this plant from concept to a fully operational manufacturing facility making some of the most delicious confections and snacks in the world,” said Subas Visvalingam, Site Director of the Johor plant. “I’m also pleased that the plant is providing good-paying jobs for our high-performing and diverse employees here in Johor.”
Johor has one of the largest cocoa grinding capacities in the region and in the world with some of the largest cocoa grinders located in Johor. The strategic and centralized location allows Hershey convenient access to countries across the Asia region and Middle East markets.
The new Hershey plant in Johor is also a green factory building designed to reduce energy consumption and minimize greenhouse gas emissions. The plant is aligned with Malaysia’s goal for “Jump-starting a Vibrant Green Technology Industry,” which is the Fourth Entry Point Projects under the Business Services National Key Economic Area (NKEAs).
The Hershey Malaysia plant’s products are also JAKIM and MUI halal certified.