HANOVER — Hanover Township Mayor Thomas ‘Ace’ Gallagher welcomed Mondelez International’s newest global research ad development facility to Whippany on Monday, May 1.
He joined Morris County Commissioner Director John Krickus and Commissioner Tayfun Selen, along with other elected officials and community leaders, yesterday for the opening tour of the new facility.
“Serious, extensive corporate planning and months of hard work have brought us to this point. But the point is just the beginning. The official partnership begins right now between this incredible corporate neighbor and the great municipality of Hanover Township”, said Mayor Gallagher to the crowd.
With almost $50 million invested in building upgrades, Mondelēz’s top scientists will perform R&D in a state-of-the-art facility for some of the many tasty snacks and treat Mondelēz manufactures, such as Oreos, Chips Ahoy!, Nutter Butter, Sour Patch Kids, and Swedish Fish.
“Morris County proudly welcomes Mondelēz International’s global innovation center. As one of the world’s largest snack producers with so many iconic brands Americans know and love, we look forward to unlocking the magic with their new facility here in Hanover Township,” stated Director Krickus.
“It was a pleasure to unveil this new research and development facility for a major employer and internationally recognized company like Mondelez. Morris County is always interested in fostering and expanding its business base, and we are proud to have Mondelez in our business community,” said Commissioner Selen.
Other speakers during the ribbon-cutting ceremony included Senator Bob Menendez, U.S. State Rep. Mikie Sherrill, and New Jersey Secretary of State Tahesha Way.
“The success of our New Jersey operations is only possible because of the passion and dedication of our Mondelēz employees, as well as our longstanding relationships and with the support of New Jersey elected officials and other community leaders,” stated Frank Sabella, Senior VP R&D, Global Beverages, Gum, Candy, Meals at Mondelēz International.
“In many ways, this brand-new facility is just the installment of a long tradition of innovation in the Garden State. We are stretching back to the wizard of Menlo Park: Edison. Our state has been at the forefront of technological advancements for centuries. Air conditioning, vacuum cleaners, Band-Aids to cell phones, so much of what we take for granted today is due to New Jersey’s great ingenuity… Suffice to say this new Mondelez facility, the end of a $50 million investment in our community, will help create joy to people all across the country,” stated Senator Menendez.
“New Jersey has always been and is a hub of innovation and a great place to do business in. Why is that? Time and again, I hear from CEOs and company leadership that the reason is our incredible workforce in Garden State. Thanks to our top-ranking public school system and leading colleges and universities. We also value and invest in workforce development to ensure that workers can continue accessing training that can help move their careers and employers forward,” said U.S. Rep. Sherrill.
“This ribbon cutting is a significant milestone for Whippany’s new Mondelēz global research and development facility. And equally important, it demonstrates its commitment to job creation and investment in the great state of New Jersey. Right here, top scientists will perform all of the R&D for the company’s famous treats,” stated NJ Secretary of State Way.
“On behalf of Hanover Township, we are honored to call Mondelēz a partner and now a big part of our Hanover Township family,” said Mayor Gallagher.
