Quest chooses N.J. incentives, confirms HQ is moving to Secaucus

Quest Diagnostics International has opted to stay in New Jersey, it said Monday, announcing it would be moving its headquarters from Madison to Secaucus.Quest, which will also relocate operations from Lyndhurst, also was considering a location in Tampa, Florida, it had said during a recent state Economic Development Authority meeting.

The provider of diagnostic information services was approved for a 10-year, $18.5 million Grow New Jersey award if it chose Secaucus. Quest said it had also received incentive offers from other states.

“This decision best serves our shareholders and employees,” Steve Rusckowski, CEO and president of the company, said in a prepared statement. “Our move to Secaucus allows us to retain our New Jersey employees while being in better proximity to public transportation and many of our major health care providers.

“We have deep roots in New Jersey, and we look forward to continue innovating and empowering better health with diagnostics insights in the Garden State.”

According to the EDA meeting, Quest is moving to 500 Plaza Drive, where it would occupy approximately 130,000 square feet.

The move would take place after the expiration of leases for the Madison and Lyndhurst facilities in September 2017, the company said Monday in a news release. Approximately 600 employees would relocate to Secaucus as a result of the move, about 350 from Madison and 250 from Lyndhurst.

Quest employs more than 2,300 people in New Jersey, it said.

“Quest Diagnostics is a great example of how New Jersey’s economic climate gives businesses the opportunity to expand and create jobs,” Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno said in a statement. “Quest has proven their confidence in our state and, as a result, will maintain nearly 600 jobs at their new headquarters in Secaucus. I look forward to seeing Quest continue to flourish and continue creating jobs.”