Governor Shapiro secures $1.2B investment from Chobani
Company to take over 1.5 million s/f in Upper Macungie
Schnecksville, PA — Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Department of Agriculture (PDA) Secretary Russell Redding, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger, and Department of Revenue Secretary Pat Browne announced the Commonwealth has secured a historic $1.2 billion investment from Chobani to establish its first dairy product manufacturing operation in Pennsylvania. This major project — the largest ever private investment in Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry — will create 900 full-time jobs over the next five years in the Lehigh Valley and greatly expand markets and opportunities for more than 4,000 dairy farmers in Pennsylvania.
Chobani will assume operations of Keurig Dr Pepper’s (KDP) manufacturing facility, equipment, and related infrastructure, where Chobani plans to manufacture innovative food products beyond yogurt.
The 1.5 million s/f facility, located at 7356 Industrial Blvd. in Upper Macungie Twp., will accelerate Chobani’s ability to innovate and produce the next generation of better, more wholesome foods while creating new opportunities for PA workers, farmers, and suppliers.
When fully operational, the facility is expected to process more than three billion pounds of PA milk annually — equivalent to 30% of all milk currently produced in the Commonwealth — the largest increase in demand for PA dairy in the state’s history. The project will create a significant new market for the Commonwealth’s family dairy farms, helping them grow and strengthen their businesses for generations to come.
“Pennsylvania is home to one of the highest number of family-owned farms in the country. When we walked into this factory, we knew it was a great fit for what we want to build for the future,” said Hamdi Ulukaya, founder & CEO of Chobani.
This investment by Chobani is a major step forward for Pennsylvania’s dairy industry and, most importantly, for the farm families who are its foundation. Pennsylvania has the second highest number of dairy farms in the nation – and agriculture is a key pillar of Governor Shapiro’s economic development plan. For years, the Commonwealth’s dairy farm families have been eager for more processing and market access opportunities. This historic project brings expanded processing capacity and increased demand for PA-produced milk, strengthens the Commonwealth’s dairy supply chain, and keeps more of the economic value of Pennsylvania milk within the state.
“We welcome Chobani and its $1.2 billion investment in Pennsylvania to the portfolio of internationally known companies producing brand-name products here in one of America’s top manufacturing markets,” said Don Cunningham, president & CEO of the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. “We are grateful to Chobani for selecting the Lehigh Valley and to Gov. Josh Shapiro for this historic investment in Pennsylvania agriculture. These wins don’t happen by accident. Once again, the region’s economic success has been supercharged by the Shapiro Administration’s hard work, focus, and investment, and the coordinated effort of so many in the Lehigh Valley.”
Key local partners supporting the project include the Lehigh County Authority, Upper Macungie Twp., Lower Macungie Twp., South Whitehall Twp., and the City of Allentown.
Production under Chobani is expected to begin in 2027.
