Chobani is committing $1.2 billion to establish its first dairy product manufacturing operation in Pennsylvania, marking a major expansion of the company’s production footprint. State officials describe the project as the largest private investment ever made in Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry, underscoring the scale of the commitment and its expected impact on the regional economy.
The investment is projected to create 900 full-time jobs over the next five years in the Lehigh Valley. In addition to direct employment, the project is anticipated to significantly broaden markets and opportunities for more than 4,000 dairy farmers across Pennsylvania by increasing processing capacity and demand for milk and related inputs. The move aligns Chobani more closely with a large base of agricultural suppliers while anchoring new industrial activity in the region.
Governor Josh Shapiro characterized the investment as a milestone for the state’s agriculture and food manufacturing sector. He noted that the $1.2 billion commitment will help strengthen Pennsylvania’s dairy industry, provide support to farmers, and reinforce the state’s position as a national leader in agriculture and food manufacturing. The announcement highlights the state’s ability to attract large-scale food and beverage manufacturing projects and the role of agriculture as a core component of the Pennsylvania economy.
As part of the plan, Chobani will assume operations at Keurig Dr Pepper’s existing manufacturing facility located at 7356 Industrial Boulevard in Upper Macungie Township. The property totals approximately 1.5 million square feet, providing substantial industrial space for dairy production and distribution activities. Production under Chobani’s control is expected to begin in 2027, giving the company time to transition operations and align the facility with its product and process requirements.
The Chobani project adds to a broader pattern of industrial and manufacturing investment in the Lehigh Valley. It follows the recent opening by Bosch Rexroth of a new $20 million facility at Lehigh Valley Industrial Park in Bethlehem, another example of advanced manufacturing users expanding their presence in the area. Together, these announcements signal continued interest from large corporate occupiers in the region’s industrial real estate, labor pool, and transportation infrastructure.
