Hershey's Stuarts Draft Manufacturing Facility Celebrates 30th Year Producing Hershey Favorites in Central Virginia12:49 EDT Friday, October 05, 2012 HERSHEY, Pa. (Business Wire) -- The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) today celebrated the 30th anniversary of its Stuarts Draft manufacturing facility in central Virginia. In honor of the milestone, Hershey hosted an event for local community members and dignitaries, including U.S. Congressman Robert Goodlatte and Virginia Senator Emmett Hanger. The Stuarts Draft plant—the original home of Reese's® Pieces® candies—today produces 15 beloved brands, including Almond Joy® and Mounds® chocolates, Whatchamacallit® chocolate bars, Reese's® Peanut Butter Cups and flavor-filled Hershey's® Kisses® chocolates. Thirty years after production began with 150 employees, the plant's presence in Stuarts Draft has grown significantly. In 1997, Hershey invested $57 million into the plant, upgrading its machinery and adding five manufacturing lines. An additional $7 million was invested into the plant in 2009. The Stuarts Draft plant now employs nearly 900 local Virginians and contributes approximately $100 million to the local economy annually. “Our employees here at Stuarts Draft are proud to make some of the world's favorite candy,” said Michael Jackson, Stuarts Draft Plant Manager. “Hershey has invested in the Stuarts Draft plant and the local Virginia economy throughout the plant's 30 years, and we look forward to making chocolate here for many years to come.” Hershey continues to invest in its manufacturing, logistics processes and global supply chain, most recently through Project Next Century, a $300 million capital project—one of the largest in Hershey's history—to modernize and upgrade Hershey's global supply chain. The largest component of the project was the expansion of the company's West Hershey manufacturing facility in Hershey, Pa. The expanded plant, unveiled this September, is the world's most technologically advanced chocolate making facility thanks to state-of-the-art technology never before used in confectionery manufacturing. About The Hershey Company The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is the largest producer of quality chocolate in North America and a global leader in chocolate and sugar confectionery. Headquartered in Hershey, Pa., The Hershey Company has operations throughout the world and approximately 14,000 employees. With revenues of more than $6 billion, Hershey offers confectionery products under more than 80 brand names, including such iconic brands as Hershey's, Reese's, Hershey'sKisses, Hershey'sBliss, Hershey's Special Dark, Kit Kat, Twizzlers, Jolly Rancher and Ice Breakers. Hershey also offers premium and artisan chocolate products under such brands as Scharffen Berger and Dagoba through the Artisan Confections Company, a wholly owned subsidiary. The company is focused on growing its presence in key international markets such as China and Mexico while continuing to build its competitive advantage in the United States and Canada. For more than 100 years, The Hershey Company has been a leader in making a positive difference in the communities where its employees live, work and do business. Corporate Social Responsibility is an integral part of the company's global business strategy, which includes goals and priorities focused on fair and ethical business dealings, environmental stewardship, fostering a desirable workplace for employees, and positively impacting society and local communities. Milton Hershey School, established in 1909 by the company's founder and administered by Hershey Trust Company, provides a quality education, housing, and medical care at no cost to children in social and financial need. Students of Milton Hershey School are direct beneficiaries of The Hershey Company's success. The Hershey CompanyMedia Contact:Jeff Beckman, 717-534-8090jbeckman@hersheys.com