Mondelez opens state-of-art R&D facility in Morris County (slideshow)

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Mondelez International Inc. is celebrating the opening of a new, state-of-the-art research and development (R&D) facility in Morris County.

As part of an effort to support future growth as a global snacking leader, the company invested nearly $50 million to build a modern global innovation center in Whippany, just a few miles away from its North American headquarters in East Hanover.

According to Mondelez, the new site includes pilot and scale-up capability for products, as well as technologies to advance R&D for consumer favorites like Oreo cookies, Ritz crackers and Sour Patch Kids candies.

During a May 1 ribbon-cutting ceremony, Daniel Ramos, executive vice president and chief research & development officer at Mondelez International, said, “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 Mondelez snacks around the world.”

“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,” Ramos said.

According to Mondelez, more than 50 employees will work at the center, where they’ll partner with colleagues from North America and around the world.

The Whippany team will play an important role in supporting innovation of electric baking technology, which is part of Mondelez’s goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions across its value chain by 2050, the company said.

“Our research & development team at Mondelez 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, global senior vice president, R&D biscuits and baked snacks at Mondelez International. “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.”

During the May 1 grand opening event, local employees, company leadership and elected officials came together to mark the occasion with a celebratory toast of milk and Oreo cookies. The festivities also included a tree planting ceremony led by the site’s Green Team and a commemorative beam signing.

With the opening of their new Global Innovation Center in Hanover, Mondelez is bringing great R&D jobs to NJ, developing new sustainable production techniques, & keeping NJ-11 on the cutting edge of cookies! Today, I joined their ribbon cutting & toasted with milk’s cookie, Oreo! pic.twitter.com/1wvSzR70ff

— Rep. Mikie Sherrill (@RepSherrill) May 1, 2023

U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, a Democrat, said he believes the facility will not only be “a hub for research and innovation,” but also provides boost to the state’s economy and local job opportunities.

U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-11 said, “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.”

The congresswoman went on to say, “I am proud to have the snacking powerhouse choose NJ-11 for such a significant global facility.”

New Jersey Secretary of State Tahesha Way added, “We are excited about Mondelez 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.”

“I’m proud to celebrate this grand opening alongside leaders from the company and other dignitaries from New Jersey,” said Way. “I look forward to the positive economic impact and snacking innovations that will be created here.”