HERSHEY, PA. – The Hershey Co. has opened its $300 million “Hershey West” facility expansion that will manufacture Hershey bars, Hershey’s Kisses, Hershey’s Syrup and Rolo Candies.

The 340,000-square-foot expansion features proprietary technologies for the manufacture of Hersey’s Kisses, according to the company. The facility also features an information technology system that allows it to run 24 hours a day.

“Today, we are celebrating our proud Pennsylvania heritage, the growing popularity of Hershey products in global markets, our continuing investments in productive technology and our great workers who make it possible to enjoy these iconic products,” said John P. Bilbrey, president and chief executive officer of The Hershey Co.

Work on the expansion began in September 2010 and was completed on schedule earlier this year. The facility is one of the company’s eight manufacturing sites in the United States. Locations include: Hazleton, Pa.; Stuarts Draft, Va.; Memphis, Tenn.; Lancaster, Pa.; Robinson, Ill.; Ashland, Ore.; and a second plant in Hershey, Pa., devoted to manufacturing products under the Reese’s brand.