By Joshua Burd
Mondelēz International Inc. has opened a new $50 million research and development facility in Morris County, where it will look to enhance production, processing and packaging for popular snacks such as Oreos and Ritz crackers.
The company last week welcomed public officials and other guests to unveil the space on Route 10, in the Whippany section of Hanover, which includes pilot and scale-up capability for its vast selection of cookie, cracker and candy products, according to a news release. It did so after a multiyear effort that repurposed a 150,000-square-foot former R&D facility for subsidiary and chocolate maker Cadbury, just minutes from Mondelēz’s North American headquarters in East Hanover, helping to fortify the snack maker’s presence in New Jersey.
CBRE’s Dan Dobalo served as project manager on behalf of Mondelēz, while Structure Tone was the general contractor and Highland Associates provided architecture and engineering services.
“This strategic investment in our new Global Innovation Center will enable us to pilot exciting new snacking breakthroughs and bring about the next generation of innovation for Mondelēz snacks around the world,” said Daniel Ramos, the company’s executive vice president and chief research and development officer. “We’re proud to bring together industry-leading talent and capabilities in this facility to create new products, packaging and process developments across our portfolio of beloved snacks.”
The new space will house more than 50 R&D makers and bakers who support the Mondelēz business in North America and around the world, partnering with teams across its businesses and other research facilities, the news release said. Among the many innovations planned, the Whippany team will play an important role in supporting the growth of electric baking technology, helping to advance the company’s 2050 goal of net zero carbon emissions across its value chain.
Mondelēz-owned products also include Clif Bar and Tate’s Bake Shop biscuits and baked snacks, as well as Sour Patch Kids, Cadbury Dairy Milk, Milka and Toblerone chocolate.
“Our research and development team at Mondelēz International is passionate about the important work we do to pioneer innovations, improve production processes and create consumer-favorite products for people to enjoy both here in the United States and in global markets,” said Norberto Chaclin, a global senior vice president for R&D for the company’s biscuits and baked snacks. “With this new center now open, our team is well-positioned to set the standard for future snacking innovations around the world from right here in New Jersey.”
Those on hand for the ribbon-cutting included local employees, company leadership and federal, state and local elected officials such as U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez and Rep. Mikie Sherrill, who represents New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District.
“I’m thrilled to celebrate Mondelēz International’s investment in New Jersey with the opening of this Global Innovation Center,” Menendez said. “Not only will this facility be a hub for research and innovation, but it will also provide a boost to the state’s economy and create job opportunities for New Jerseyans.”
Sherrill added: “It is wonderful to see Mondelēz International open a new Global Innovation Center right here in our community. This large investment reinforces the longstanding partnership between Mondelēz and the thriving business community in this area. I am proud to have the snacking powerhouse choose NJ-11 for such a significant global facility.”
Officials such as New Jersey Secretary of State Tahesha Way and Hanover Township Mayor Thomas “Ace” Gallagher also attended the grand opening event, recognizing Mondelēz for its long-term investment in the state and local business community.
“We are excited about Mondelēz investing in and expanding its presence in New Jersey through this important Innovation Center, a testament to the strength and capabilities available to businesses here in our state,” Way said. “I’m proud to celebrate this grand opening alongside leaders from the company and other dignitaries from New Jersey, and I look forward to the positive economic impact and snacking innovations that will be created here.”
