Nestlé Waters puts $79m behind Pennsylvania bottling expansion

Nestlé Waters North America has invested $79 million in its plant in Pennsylvania, adding three high-speed bottling lines for its bottled water brands.

The expansion at the Breinigsville plant will be used to increase production of Nestlé’s Pure Life water, amid growing demand from consumers. Volume sales of bottled water are increasing, and in March overtook fizzy drinks to become the most widely consumed beverage in the US.

Nestlé Waters is taking on 50 additional staff in Breinigsville to operate the new lines.

“The growth of our Nestlé Pure Life bottling facility is being driven by overwhelming consumer demand for healthier beverage options,” said Tara Carraro, executive vice-president and chief corporate affairs officer for Nestle Waters North America. “We are proud of the role our products play in helping consumers achieve healthier lifestyles.”

The vast Breinigsville facility – 50 miles northwest of Philadelphia – also produces Nestlé’s Deer Park brand of water. It’s located in an area called the Lehigh Valley and boasts neighbours including Samuel Adams Brewery and Ocean Spray.

The project represents a significant investment in the company’s $354 million Lehigh Valley Campus, from where it distributes Deer Park and Pure Life products to grocery and retail customers across the US.

The latest investments were in additional production lines for 8oz, 500ml, 700ml and 1 litre bottles at a cost of $56 million.

It follows earlier cash injections in the plant stretching back to 2015.

Tony Iannelli, president and CEO of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, said: “Nestle Waters’ continued commitment to the Lehigh Valley is demonstrated by its consistent growth and this latest addition of nearly 50 jobs validates the key role the company plays in the valley’s manufacturing sector.”

Nestlé Waters Breinigsville plant manager Mike Franceschetti said: “Nestlé Waters is proud to be an active member of the Lehigh Valley community – both as an employer and a community partner. Our decision to continue investing in the Lehigh Valley underscores our long-term commitment to the region, and we look forward to continued growth in the years ahead.”