Englewood Cliffs mayor touts borough after Samsung exit

Listen to this article

The basics:

• Mayor Park says Englewood Cliffs remains business-friendly
• Samsung plans to move US headquarters to Texas
• Company recently relocated to 700 Sylvan Ave. campus
• Bergen County borough remains confident in attracting future employers

One day after Samsung Electronics America confirmed it will move its U.S. headquarters from Englewood Cliffs to Texas, Mayor Mark Park said the borough remains well-positioned to attract and retain major employers despite the planned high-profile departure.

In a statement provided to NJBIZ, Park characterized Samsung’s move as the result of broader corporate and operational considerations. Meanwhile, he highlighted what he said are the borough’s enduring strengths as a business destination.

“Samsung’s reported decision appears to be driven by … considerations that extend beyond any single municipality,” Park told NJBIZ. “From the Borough’s perspective, Englewood Cliffs continues to offer an exceptional environment for business, with a highly educated workforce, immediate access to New York City, premier corporate facilities, strong public safety services, and a responsive local government.”

Park’s comments come as Samsung’s departure has sparked strong reaction across New Jersey’s business and political communities. NJBIZ reported on the company’s plans earlier this week. Many view the move as part of a larger conversation about the state’s competitiveness, cost structure and regulatory climate.

The announcement also comes on the heels of other high-profile corporate moves, including ExxonMobil’s decision earlier this year to relocate its legal domicile from New Jersey to Texas after nearly 150 years.

Englewood Cliffs, an evolving landscape

While Samsung has not disclosed how many employees the move could affect, the company has said it will provide support to workers impacted by the transition.

Multiple reports estimate that approximately 1,000 employees are based at the Englewood Cliffs headquarters.

Meanwhile, Park emphasized the local factors that have helped make Englewood Cliffs a destination for major employers for decades.

“Over the years, the Borough has worked diligently to support economic development through thoughtful planning, business-friendly zoning, expedited permitting, infrastructure investments, and policies designed to encourage corporate investment and job creation,” said Park. “We also partnered with regional stakeholders to improve transportation access and strengthen the overall business climate for employers and employees alike.”

Samsung’s departure is particularly notable given the company’s recent commitment to the borough.

In 2024, the technology giant announced plans to relocate its North American headquarters to 700 Sylvan Ave., the former Unilever campus, after more than three decades in nearby Ridgefield Park. Samsung completed the move in 2025. It then hosted a grand-opening celebration at the property, less than a year before announcing plans to consolidate operations at its existing campus in Plano, Texas.

The relatively short-lived stay in Englewood Cliffs underscores the speed with which the company’s U.S. headquarters strategy has evolved. Promoted less than two years ago as a significant investment in Bergen County, the move will now become part of a broader effort to centralize operations in Texas.

Class A corporate concentration

Despite Samsung’s exit, Englewood Cliffs remains home to several major corporate employers, including the North American headquarters of LG Electronics. The borough’s proximity to Manhattan, highly educated workforce and concentration of Class A office space have long made it an attractive location for corporate tenants.

“While we are disappointed to see Samsung relocate operations, we remain grateful for its presence in our community and wish the company continued success,” said Park. “We are confident that the strengths that attracted Samsung to Englewood Cliffs remain as strong as ever today.”

We are confident that the strengths that attracted Samsung to Englewood Cliffs remain as strong as ever today.
—Mayor Mark Park

Park also acknowledged the increasingly competitive environment facing communities across the country as states aggressively pursue employers through tax incentives, workforce investments and other economic development tools.

“As states across the country continue competing aggressively for major employers through tax policy, incentive programs, and workforce investments, municipalities like Englewood Cliffs must continue focusing on the factors we can control — efficient government, predictable approvals, public safety, quality infrastructure, and a welcoming environment for business,” said Park.

Open for business

The mayor said that the future of the 700 Sylvan Ave. campus remains bright, despite Samsung’s planned departure.

“The corporate campus at 700 Sylvan Avenue remains one of the premier office locations in the region, and Englewood Cliffs continues to be well-positioned to attract future investment,” said Park. “We look forward to working with existing and prospective employers who recognize the unique advantages our community offers.”

The move represents a significant change for one of the borough’s most prominent office properties. However, Park said the strengths that initially attracted Samsung to Englewood Cliffs remain in place. And position the community to compete for future corporate investment.

Gov. Mikie Sherrill has not yet weighed in publicly on the Samsung relocation. Her office declined comment about the situation.

Please stay with NJBIZ for the very latest on this developing story.