Hershey converts chocolate line to facemask production

The Hershey Company, one of the largest US manufacturers of chocolate snacks, is committing $1 million to install a new line for the production of facemasks in response to the shortage of protective equipment in the United States. The new line will be capable of producing up to 45,000 facemasks per day and is due to become operational within about a month.

Converting its operations to address a critical need is the latest step in the company’s ongoing efforts to support communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, Hershey has donated millions in cash and product to benefit a variety of healthcare organisations such as United Way Worldwide, Feeding America, Center for Disaster Philanthropy and food banks.