City and State Leaders join DrinkPAK to celebrate major construction milestone at 1.4-million-square-foot beverage manufacturing facility
A $350 million advanced manufacturing investment is taking shape in South Philadelphia, where DrinkPAK today joined Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson, Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger, HRP and community partners to mark a major construction milestone at its new 1.4-million-square-foot beverage manufacturing facility in the Bellwether District.
Expected to open in early 2027, the DrinkPAK facility, known as DP3, will create more than 175 full-time jobs by 2028 across production, batching, quality control, maintenance, engineering, warehousing and other skilled manufacturing functions.
With the facility's walls now standing, Tuesday's event brought together city officials, community leaders and project partners to celebrate the transformation underway in South Philadelphia and DrinkPAK's growing investment in the city.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker welcomed DrinkPAK’s investment in the city and the new economic opportunities DP3 will bring to Philadelphia.
"We are proud DrinkPAK chose Philadelphia for its first East Coast manufacturing hub. This $350 million investment brings more than 175 skilled jobs and real career pathways to Philadelphia,” said Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “That's what a safer, cleaner, and greener Philadelphia, with access to economic opportunity for all, looks like. Welcome to Philadelphia, DrinkPAK!"
During Tuesday’s celebration, Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson, whose Second Councilmanic District includes the Bellwether District, DrinkPAK CEO Nate Patena, and HRP CEO Roberto Perez commemorated the partnership behind the project by participating in a ceremonial cement stamping at the future facility. The DrinkPAK, City of Philadelphia, and HRP logos were permanently set into concrete at the site, symbolizing DrinkPAK planting its flag and building its future in Philadelphia.
“Bringing advanced manufacturing to the Bellwether District puts new opportunities within reach for South Philadelphia families and the city at large,” said City Council President Kenyatta Johnson (Second District). “I’m proud to welcome DrinkPAK to our city, and City Council looks forward to working with the company and our partners to connect Philadelphia residents to family-sustaining jobs and the economic opportunities this investment will create.”
“Philadelphia was a strategic choice for DrinkPAK as we expand our manufacturing network to the East Coast,” said Nate Patena, CEO of DrinkPAK. “It positions us to better serve our customers and continue growing our business while becoming part of a city with an incredible community and strong business ecosystem. We look forward to building lasting partnerships, being a great neighbor and growing alongside Philadelphia for years to come.”
“We envisioned The Bellwether District as a place where world-class companies can grow by tapping into Philadelphia’s greatest asset – its talent,” said Roberto E. Perez, CEO of HRP Group. This effort provides clear proof of concept that when great companies like DrinkPAK connect with strong workforce development partners like The Skills Initiative, Philadelphia workers benefit.”
Once operational, DP3's four ultra-high-speed filling lines will each be capable of producing up to 3,000 cans per minute, producing energy drinks, sodas, teas, juices, sparkling waters, protein beverages, hard seltzers, ready-to-drink cocktails and spirits across a wide range of can sizes and packaging formats. An automated variety repacking line will also produce multi-flavor cartons and trays at speeds of up to 2,000 cans per minute.
During Tuesday’s celebration, Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson, DrinkPAK CEO Nate Patena, and HRP CEO Roberto Perez commemorated the partnership by participating in a ceremonial cement stamping at the future facility. The DrinkPAK, City of Philadelphia and HRP logos were permanently set into concrete at the site, symbolizing DrinkPAK planting its flag and building its future in Philadelphia.
When DP3 begins operations in 2027, Philadelphia will become DrinkPAK’s first East Coast manufacturing hub, joining its existing facilities in Santa Clarita, California, and Fort Worth, Texas. Together, the three facilities will give DrinkPAK nearly 5 million square feet of manufacturing space from coast to coast.
DrinkPAK is building its founding Philadelphia team ahead of the facility’s opening. Individuals interested in career opportunities in production, batching, quality, maintenance, engineering, warehousing, and other functions can learn more at drinkpak.com/careers. The project is expected to create more than 175 full-time jobs in the Philadelphia region by 2028.
