Mondelēz International has celebrated the grand opening of its new regional distribution centre just outside Richmond in Virginia. The opening was commemorated with a ribbon cutting ceremony which included local employees, company leadership, local and state elected officials.
The new distribution site is part of the company’s US$122.5 million investment in its Henrico County operations, which was announced last year, expanding its business and footprint in Virginia.
The new facility will bring 80 jobs to Henrico County and serve as a key distribution hub for many of the company’s snacks including Oreo, Chips Ahoy! cookies and Ritz crackers. The site will play a role in reducing transportation required to get snacks to retail customers and will be operated by Kenco Logistics.
“This new regional distribution center, which sits close to our Richmond, VA biscuit bakery, will play an important role in delivering consumers’ best-loved snacks as part of the Mondelēz U.S. supply chain,” explained Claudio Parrotta, SVP & Chief Supply Chain Officer, North America at Mondelēz International. “We are proud to celebrate this grand opening, strengthening our commitment to Henrico County and the Commonwealth of Virginia, which have been so supportive of our business over the past five decades, as we continue to invest in strategic U.S. supply chain geographies important to our long-term growth and success.”
“We are grateful to have been chosen to partner with Mondelēz International at this new facility,” added David Caines, chief operating officer for Kenco. “We believe our integrated, customer-driven approach to distribution operations will help Mondelēz International continue its supply chain excellence across the U.S., including meeting the current and future needs of its customers and consumers.”
Among honoured guests who celebrated the grand opening was Caren Merrick, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade who complimented the fostering of a collaborative partnership with the community and quality jobs.
“The investment Mondelēz International has made in Henrico County through this distribution center is a testament to what collaboration between the public and private sector can accomplish,” said Caren Merrick.
Richmond and Virginia have been home to Mondelēz’s operations and employees for several years. The Richmond Biscuit Bakery opened its doors almost five decades ago in 1973. With the addition of the new distribution facility, the company has almost 1000 employees supporting its operations in Virginia across manufacturing, distribution, logistics and sales.
“Mondelēz International has been making quality products in Henrico for nearly 50 years, bringing quality jobs and economic development to our County,” said Henrico County Board of Supervisors Member Tyrone E. Nelson. “This new, additional facility enhances the company’s business operations in our county and represents another step forward in what we view as a long-term commitment both to Henrico and to Virginia.”
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