Walmart, Hershey Back American Jobs Initiative
Top brass from Walmart Inc. and The Hershey Co. gathered to display their shared commitment to increase U.S. manufacturing jobs. The event took place the week before Halloween, the busiest days at U.S. retail for candy sales.
“Our investment in U.S. supply chain capabilities impacts a broad range of consumer experiences from packaging and merchandising to ecommerce assortments,” said Michele Buck, president and CEO of the Hershey, Pa.-based company, which in 2017 invested more than $150 million in that area, leading to 350 new jobs for its manufacturing operations and suppliers. “These advancements enable business growth that helps to maintain and create jobs across the entire value chain – from manufacturing to fulfillment centers to the retail floor.”
“U.S. manufacturing matters to Walmart just as it does to our customers and our communities,” noted Steve Bratspies, chief merchandising officer at the Bentonville, Ark.-based mega-retailer, which is No. 1 on Progressive Grocer’s 2018 Super 50 list of the top grocers in the United States. “Today, about two-thirds of what we buy and sell is sourced, grown or made here in America, but we want to do more. Five years ago, we made a commitment to source an additional $250 billion in goods that support American jobs, and we’re on track to meet that target. When we invest in these products, we invest in America. We give customers what they want, and we fuel economic growth by helping provide jobs to hard-working Americans. Our partnership with Hershey is a great example of what’s possible when we work together.”
Accompanied by government stakeholders, the companies marked the manufacturing investments with a tour of Hershey’s West Hershey factory in the confectioner’s hometown. According to Hershey, the plant is the largest and most technologically advanced chocolate-making factory in North America, employing more 1,100 skilled workers and producing such iconic products as Hershey’s Kisses and Hershey’s Milk Chocolate.
The U.S. supply chain employs 44 million people, accounting for 37 percent of all jobs.
