DrinkPAK advances next-generation beverage facility

DrinkPAK, North America’s premier manufacturer of canned beverages, has announced plans to invest $195 million to establish its first Pennsylvania manufacturing facility at The Bellwether District in Philadelphia.

The project marks a major milestone in DrinkPAK’s national expansion strategy and will create 174 new jobs over the next three years. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is supporting the investment with a $2 million Pennsylvania First grant, reflecting strong state partnership in bringing DrinkPAK’s advanced manufacturing capabilities to the region.

DrinkPAK will lease a 1.4 million–square–foot, build-to-suit facility on 74.8 acres at 3144 West Passyunk Avenue—representing the company’s flagship East Coast operation and one of the most advanced beverage manufacturing sites in the US. The facility will anchor The Bellwether District, a 1,300-acre redevelopment led by HRP Group that is transforming the former Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery into a hub for innovation, logistics, and next-generation industry.

“At DrinkPAK, we are committed to giving our clients unmatched production capacity, flexibility, and reliability,” said Nate Patena, CEO of DrinkPAK. “Our new Philadelphia facility strengthens that commitment—enabling us to service partners with any drink, any can, any format, and now, from any location across the country. The City of Philadelphia, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and HRP Group have already proven to be tremendous partners, and we look forward to becoming an active part of the community.”

State and city leaders welcomed DrinkPAK’s investment, highlighting the project as a catalyst for advanced manufacturing growth in Pennsylvania and a validation of the region’s workforce and strategic location.

Governor Josh Shapiro emphasised Pennsylvania’s competitiveness in attracting DrinkPAK’s expansion: “My Administration competed aggressively against other states to secure this major investment from DrinkPAK – the first anchor tenant for The Bellwether District that will create tens of thousands of jobs and supercharge the economy of Southeastern Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania offers an exceptionally skilled workforce, a strategic location, and so many advantages for businesses who want to grow and thrive.”

DCED Secretary Rick Siger added: “DrinkPAK’s investment is a tremendous win for both The Bellwether District and Pennsylvania’s manufacturing industry. We are committed to supporting fast-growing companies that create new opportunities and drive our economic momentum.”

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker celebrated DrinkPAK’s selection of the city for its flagship East Coast facility: “DrinkPAK choosing to build in Philadelphia brings high-quality manufacturing and construction jobs to our City in a very competitive process. Philadelphia is a destination of choice for business, and DrinkPAK’s arrival signals that our city will be at the center of the next chapter of American manufacturing.”

City Council President Kenyatta Johnson, who represents the district, added: “DrinkPAK’s decision to build in Philadelphia shows what’s possible when government and industry work together. These new jobs will lift communities, strengthen our industrial base, and help position our region as a leader in next-generation manufacturing.”

The Bellwether District, developed by HRP Group, is one of the nation’s most ambitious industrial redevelopment projects. Located within four miles of Center City, Philadelphia International Airport, I-95, I-76, and PhilaPort—with robust rail and maritime connections—the site provides DrinkPAK with unmatched logistical reach.

“Welcoming DrinkPAK to The Bellwether District marks a major milestone in transforming this iconic site into a 21st-century sustainable ecosystem,” said Roberto E. Perez, HRP Group CEO. “DrinkPAK’s decision validates the unique advantages of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth, paired with our mission to reimagine strategic real estate as the economic engines of tomorrow.”

Founded in 2020, DrinkPAK has redefined the canned beverage manufacturing landscape through extreme production capacity, unprecedented format flexibility, advanced automation, and an unwavering commitment to attracting and developing the best technical talent in the industry. The Philadelphia facility represents the next major step in DrinkPAK’s mission to support the world’s largest and fastest-growing beverage brands in every stage of production—from procurement and batching to filling, packaging, warehousing, and distribution.

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