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Meiji America has announced a $65 million investment to expand its manufacturing capabilities by adding production of Hello Panda cookies to its facility in York, Pennsylvania, US.
The investment will fund new production lines and equipment upgrades at the York plant, enabling the company to manufacture the bite-sized, crème-filled cookies domestically.
By bringing Hello Panda production to the York facility, Meiji America said it aims to strengthen its supply chain, improve retailer collaboration and maintain momentum for the snack brand’s continued expansion.
“Seeing Meiji Hello Panda’s growth has only continued to motivate our team here at Meiji America to keep working hard to deliver treats in the accessible and high-quality fashion we are known for,” said Ron Fink, chief operating officer of Meiji America.
The York facility currently produces products for Stauffer's, a Meiji America subsidiary with roots dating back to 1821. With the addition of Hello Panda production, the company expects to increase overall manufacturing capacity at the plant by approximately 50%.
The project is also expected to create new jobs and expand partnerships with regional suppliers and contractors. Meiji America is already collaborating with an engineering firm in Philadelphia, as well as local contractors and millwrights, to support equipment installation and building modifications.
“I can’t wait to see the impact this makes in the York community,” said Mac Simpson, York plant manager. “We have a lot of exciting upgrades and changes to the plant to support Meiji Hello Panda, and I know local talent will be a large part in making that happen.”
The company said Hello Panda’s growth has been driven by several product attributes, including the brand's fun and playful panda-themed biscuit designs, peanut-free recipes and formulations that exclude high-fructose corn syrup.
Renovations and equipment installation at the York facility are scheduled to begin in 2026, with packaging operations expected to start in 2027 and full production targeted for 2028.
Meiji America is the North American division of Meiji Holdings, the Japanese food and health company founded in 1916. The company manufactures a variety of confectionery and snack products in the United States, including Yan Yan and Chocorooms.
Top image: © Meiji/Hello Panda
