The largest chocolate manufacturer in North America, Project Peanut Butter (PPB) has announced plans to build a peanut processing factory in Ghana.

The project, which will be funded by Hershey, will be operated by PPB. It will, among other things, provide a new market for local peanut farmers, and boost the local economy.

The factory, when completed, is expected to start production by the first half of 2014.

The Managing Director of Project Peanut Butter, Dr. Mark Manary told Citi FM, his outfit is yet to finalize where the factory will be located but, will in the interim, rent an existing space for other production companies. Currently, PPB distributes peanut-based, vitamin-enriched packets to malnourished children in Malawi, Sierra Leone and Mali.