CAMDEN, N.J. (KYW Newsradio, AP) — Campbell’s Soup Co. plans to spend about $50 million to upgrade its headquarters in New Jersey as it consolidates the central offices of snacks businesses from North Carolina and Connecticut.
The company announced Wednesday it will add about 330 positions at the site in Camden, bringing the total jobs there to about 1,600. Campbell's plans to upgrade existing space and construct new buildings to drive greater creativity, collaboration and career development at the company.
“Part of the thought process behind the investment in Camden is to create a really attractive place where people want to come to work,” said Mark Clouse, Campbell's president. “We feel this kind of greater Philadelphia area, along with Camden, is a great place to be.”
Clouse said the move will let the company make investments in technology.
“In our research and development area, we'll be building out what's called a pilot plant, which is this miniature version of what we do in our big plants that allow us to develop new products and test products,” said Clouse.
The jobs are moving from a Snyder’s-Lance plant in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the Pepperidge Farm headquarters in Norwalk, Connecticut. A Snyder's pretzel bakery and other operations in Hanover, Pennsylvania, will not be affected by the changes, and the company will continue to operate its Pepperidge Farm bakery in Bloomfield, Connecticut. Campbell's also said Charlotte will remain a key manufacturing and distribution center for the company.
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Clouse said when the company acquired Snyder's-Lance in 2018, they anticipated the consolidation, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed their plans. Now, he says with their continued growth and a 15% bump in earnings during the first quarter of its fiscal year, it felt like the right moment.
“The underlying health and strength of our brands, arguably have never been stronger, at least in the recent period than they have been these last couple of years,” said Clouse.
“We just thought it was compelling to create a destination that is high energy, that can really help us build the culture. What better place to do that than Camden, where we've been for over 150 years, literally one mile from where the first tomato was put in a can with Joseph Campbell?”
The upgrades will include amenities for employees such as on-site day care, a café, and a free health and fitness center.
The headquarters upgrade and expansion, aided by unspecified tax incentives from New Jersey, will start in March and should take about three years to complete.
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“This plan will create jobs, stimulate economic development, and strengthen Campbell’s roots in Camden where their efforts have played an essential role in the continued transformation of the city,” said New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy.
Having one snacks headquarters is expected to save Campbell $10 million within a few years, the company said. The savings will be partially reinvested in the business and are included in the company’s plan to increase margins in the snacks division. No commercial roles are being eliminated related to the closing of the Charlotte and Norwalk buildings, officials said.
“This is outstanding news for Campbell Soup Company, Camden, and our residents," said Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen.
“Today’s $50 million expansion builds upon that long-term investment in the city. They are an American icon and an anchor in our community. The Campbell’s commitment extends to the city’s school district, the small businesses community, and support of Camden’s non-profit network. This investment clearly goes well beyond brick-and-mortar improvements. It’s a firm commitment to Camden.”