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Kerry Group is set to open its first Pennsylvania manufacturing facility in Hanover Township, Northampton County.

The multi-million-dollar plant will focus on coffee roasting and extraction and is expected to create 61 new jobs.

The company is leasing a former Martin Bauer Group building and will retain 16 employees from the previous operation.

The state of Pennsylvania is supporting the project with $516,880, including a $316,880 Pennsylvania First grant and a $200,000 WEDnetPA grant for workforce training. Kerry has also been encouraged to apply for the Manufacturing Tax Credit Program.

John Cahalane, president and CEO of Kerry North America, said: “With this acquisition, Kerry is enhancing production capabilities and leveraging advanced technologies to meet the rising demand for all-natural coffee ingredients across multiple markets, ultimately driving business growth and innovation".

"We are especially proud to partner with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, whose support has been instrumental in making this expansion possible. This collaboration reinforces our belief that Bethlehem is the right place to grow our coffee business and deepen our commitment to sustainable nutrition and local community development.”

Lehigh Valley hosts more than 100 international companies, with food and beverage producers forming a major part of the region’s manufacturing sector. Other global brands in the area include Coca-Cola, Ocean Spray, Boston Beer Co, Freshpet, Just Born, Bakerly/Norac Foods and Bimbo Bakeries.

Gov Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania secretary of community and economic development, Rick Siger, highlighted the Kerry investment as a boost to the state’s manufacturing and food production industry and local job market.