California Company to Produce 3 Billion Canned Beverages Annually in Philadelphia
DrinkPAK, a California-based canned beverage manufacturer, has chosen Philadelphia’s Bellwether District as the location for its latest expansion on the East Coast. This decision comes as part of the company’s strategic efforts to enhance its production capabilities, positioning Pennsylvania among several contenders, including New Jersey and various locations within Pennsylvania itself, such as Scranton and the Lehigh Valley.
The Bellwether District, a vast 1,300-acre site formerly occupied by the South Philadelphia oil refinery, stands to benefit from DrinkPAK’s new 1.4 million-square-foot manufacturing facility. This building will mark the first tenant in a broader development plan led by HRP Group. The developer envisions transforming the area into a hub for industries including manufacturing and life sciences.
Construction for the new facility commenced earlier this month, with plans for the exterior shell to be completed within the next year. Subsequent internal construction is expected to finish by April 1, 2027, setting the stage for DrinkPAK to begin operations.
Once fully operational, the manufacturing plant is projected to run 24 hours a day, producing an impressive 3 billion cans annually. The facility is set to create 174 jobs, primarily filled by on-site personnel who will operate the production lines and machinery. DrinkPAK emphasizes its commitment to attracting top talent by offering competitive wages and robust benefit packages, which are anticipated to be among the most attractive in the industry.
DrinkPAK specializes in manufacturing cans for a niche market of smaller, innovative beverage brands rather than mainstream giants like Coca-Cola or Pepsi. Their focus includes products such as alcoholic seltzers, energy drinks, and lower-calorie sodas, reflecting current consumer preferences for healthier options. The company has plans to remain adaptive to market trends, evident in their current production focus on protein drinks, which are currently experiencing significant demand.
This facility will be situated in the industrial section of the Bellwether District, an area envisioned as accommodating various warehouses and factories. HRP Group has previously constructed two large warehouses on spec, indicating a forward-looking approach without specific tenants secured at the time of development.
Andrew Chused, chief investment officer for HRP Group, expressed optimism about the partnership, highlighting the significance of DrinkPAK’s establishment in fostering a dynamic commercial environment in the newly revitalized site. The addition of this manufacturing facility not only signals economic growth for the region but also aligns with ongoing trends in the beverage industry towards sustainable and innovative production practices.
As DrinkPAK looks to solidify its presence on the East Coast, its operations in Philadelphia are expected to bolster local employment opportunities while contributing positively to the area’s economic landscape.
