Nestlé Waters North America has completed a $79m expansion of its Nestlé Pure Life East bottling facility in Breinigsville, Pennsylvania, US.

The two-year expansion of the facility in the company’s $354m Lehigh Valley Campus saw the addition of 50 new employees, as well as three new, high-speed bottling lines.

Nestlé Waters plant manager Mike Franceschetti said: “Nestlé Waters is proud to be an active member of the Lehigh Valley community — both as an employer and a community partner.

“Our decision to continue investing in the Lehigh Valley underscores our long-term commitment to the region, and we look forward to continued growth in the years ahead.”

In 2015, Nestlé Waters invested $23m in the facility's 17th production line, expanding operations for its 0.5l bottled water products.

The company later spent $56m on production lines 18 and 19, which are currently manufacturing 8oz, 0.5l, 0.7l and 1l products.

"This latest addition of nearly 50 jobs validates the key role the company plays in the Valley’s manufacturing sector."

Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce CEO Tony Lannelli said: “Nestlé Waters’ continued commitment to the Lehigh Valley is demonstrated by its consistent growth and this latest addition of nearly 50 jobs validates the key role the company plays in the Valley’s manufacturing sector.”

Nestlé’s first Lehigh Valley bottling plant was opened in 1995 with 75 employees.

Over a 22-year period, employment has increased by more than 500%, following the construction of a second manufacturing facility.

Nestlé Pure Life and Deer Park Brand Natural Spring Water products are distributed from the facility in Breinigsville to major retail and grocery customers throughout Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic.

Image: Nestlé Nestlé’s Deer Park Brand Natural Spring Water products. Photo: courtesy of Nestlé Waters North America.