Pennsylvania is set for a historic boost to its agricultural sector after Governor Josh Shapiro announced that Chobani will invest 1.2 billion dollars to launch its first dairy manufacturing operation in the state. The Greek yogurt giant plans to take over an existing Keurig Dr Pepper facility in the Lehigh Valley, utilizing the space not only for yogurt but for a wider range of food products. The massive undertaking is projected to bring 900 full-time jobs to the region over the next five years.
The scale of the move represents a significant lifeline for local producers, as Chobani expects to purchase more than 3 billion pounds of Pennsylvania milk annually once the plant reaches full capacity. This volume accounts for roughly 30 percent of all milk produced within the commonwealth, offering substantial stability and growth opportunities for more than 4,000 dairy farmers across the state.
Governor Shapiro highlighted that this marks the largest private sector investment in the history of Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry, reinforcing the state’s standing as a national leader in food manufacturing. He noted that the deal aligns with long-standing requests from rural communities for deeper industrial investments that support family-owned farms.
Chobani founder and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya expressed enthusiasm about entering a market known for its high concentration of family farms, stating that the Lehigh Valley facility was a perfect fit for the company’s vision of future growth. While preparations are already underway, production at the new site is officially expected to begin in 2027.