New Beverage Canning Giant Brings Jobs to South Philly Refinery Site
A California-based canned beverage manufacturer has taken the reins as the first tenant at Philadelphia Energy Solutions' redeveloped refinery property, dubbed the Bellwether District. DrinkPAK will invest $195 million in its 1.4-million-square-foot cannery, set to open in 2027 and create 174 jobs over the next three years.
The facility, situated near 26th Street and Penrose Avenue, boasts a production capacity of three billion cans per year and is expected to produce, can, package, and store beverages. DrinkPAK's goal is to build a coast-to-coast network, with its flagship East Coast facility in Philadelphia at the heart of this plan.
The South Philly site's proximity to Interstate 95 puts it within a four-hour drive radius for 47 million consumers. This strategic location will undoubtedly open doors to new partnerships with emerging beverage brands in the region, with DrinkPAK aiming to dedicate capacity to startup brands as they emerge.
The redevelopment of the Bellwether District has been years in the making, following Philadelphia Energy Solutions' shutdown in 2019 due to a fire and explosion. HRP Group purchased the property out of bankruptcy for $222 million in 2020, with plans to create a 750-acre industrial logistics hub and a 250-acre campus geared toward life sciences companies.
While concerns over contamination at the site have been raised, DrinkPAK's arrival marks a significant win for the project. The company has received a $2 million grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to support its operations.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker hailed DrinkPAK's decision as proof that the city's business strategy is working, touting the opportunity for high-quality manufacturing and construction jobs to be created in Philadelphia.
A California-based canned beverage manufacturer has taken the reins as the first tenant at Philadelphia Energy Solutions' redeveloped refinery property, dubbed the Bellwether District. DrinkPAK will invest $195 million in its 1.4-million-square-foot cannery, set to open in 2027 and create 174 jobs over the next three years.
The facility, situated near 26th Street and Penrose Avenue, boasts a production capacity of three billion cans per year and is expected to produce, can, package, and store beverages. DrinkPAK's goal is to build a coast-to-coast network, with its flagship East Coast facility in Philadelphia at the heart of this plan.
The South Philly site's proximity to Interstate 95 puts it within a four-hour drive radius for 47 million consumers. This strategic location will undoubtedly open doors to new partnerships with emerging beverage brands in the region, with DrinkPAK aiming to dedicate capacity to startup brands as they emerge.
The redevelopment of the Bellwether District has been years in the making, following Philadelphia Energy Solutions' shutdown in 2019 due to a fire and explosion. HRP Group purchased the property out of bankruptcy for $222 million in 2020, with plans to create a 750-acre industrial logistics hub and a 250-acre campus geared toward life sciences companies.
While concerns over contamination at the site have been raised, DrinkPAK's arrival marks a significant win for the project. The company has received a $2 million grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to support its operations.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker hailed DrinkPAK's decision as proof that the city's business strategy is working, touting the opportunity for high-quality manufacturing and construction jobs to be created in Philadelphia.
drinkpak bringing 174 jobs to south philly refinery site? that's like, awesome news for the community! 
i mean, its not like they were just gonna sit on their hands and do nothing with that huge property. idk how much ppl thought was gonna happen with the bellwether district or whatever... anywho, drinkpak seems legit. 2 mil grant from the state? that's a big deal too! 
we should be rooting for them to make this work.
they're gonna create 174 jobs and produce like 3 billion cans per year, talk about a game changer! 
i'm not sure what's going on with the contamination concerns but it sounds like drinkpak is committed to making this project work. i mean who doesn't love a good cannery? 
anyway, it's awesome to see new businesses moving into philly and bringing in revenue, i just hope they don't disrupt the whole neighborhood too much! 
This is lit! New cannery means new opportunities for Philly residents 
. 174 jobs, yeah! Let's keep the momentum goin' 
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! It's amazing to see a California-based company like DrinkPAK invest $195 million into the area, creating 174 jobs that will have a significant impact on the local economy 
. The fact that their facility is already being touted as part of a coast-to-coast network is really exciting - it'll be fascinating to see how they navigate logistics and supply chain management 
. Plus, with their goal of partnering with emerging beverage brands, I predict we'll see some fresh faces (and flavors) hitting the market soon 
! The city's business strategy is indeed looking up 
, and I'm curious to see what other projects come out of this redevelopment.
... like it's just gonna bring in some jobs and then everyone's all happy and forgets about the environmental issues 
. 174 new jobs is cool and all, but what about the long-term effects on the community? are they even doing any real community engagement or outreach? and $2 million grant from the state is like, a drop in the bucket compared to the $222 million purchase price 
it's like that scene from The Matrix where Neo discovers the real world, you know? 
Interesting that it's the first tenant at this refinery site, so who knows what other industries will follow suit?
. The fact that HRP Group was able to swoop in and buy it out of bankruptcy for $222 million is just incredible 
.
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And let me tell u it's a BIG DEAL! 
That's like, a whole lotta cans being popped open! 
And the mayor is already hyping it up as proof that Philly's business strategy is on point 
. 174 jobs? that's cute, but think of all the poor souls who'll be breathing in toxic fumes and pollution every day on their way to work 
. And what about the long-term effects on the local community? We're basically trading one set of problems for another 
. Give me a break, let's not get too excited about this 
.
I mean 174 jobs are being created which is insane and DrinkPAKs goal of building a coast-to-coast network is so cool 
I love that they're going to be dedicated to startup brands too that's so awesome 
on da bright side, this means new business comin in & startups gettin a chance to grow 
. Plus, it's awesome that Philadelphia Energy Solutions was able to get back on its feet after that fire and explosion in 2019 
. The city is definitely moving forward and looking out for its businesses 
. I just hope they can keep up with the demand and production capacity