Governor Christie Promotes Job Creation At BASF Groundbreaking

Source: Governor of New Jersey
Posted on: 30th June 2010

Morris County Project Creates Jobs and Fuels Economic Growth in New Jersey.

Attending a groundbreaking ceremony in Florham Park, Governor Chris Christie and Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno welcomed the development project for the new BASF North American Headquarters as an economic boon for New Jersey and the region.

“I am thrilled that BASF has partnered with the Rockefeller Group to identify and develop one of the greenest and most sustainable office buildings in New Jersey. I’m also pleased that in selecting Florham Park, BASF continues to recognize the advantages of doing business in the state. In collaborating with Rockefeller Group, BASF has selected a firm with a terrific record in developing green, sustainable projects that will be reflected in this new headquarters,” said Governor Christie. “My administration’s top priority is getting our economy back on track and bringing stable, good-paying jobs to New Jersey and projects like this are an example to other companies of the benefits of doing business in New Jersey.”

The BASF development is slated to be a 325,000 sq. ft. complex at The Green at Florham Park and will serve as their North American headquarters. The $100 million, 5-story building will begin construction in July, will offer space for up to 1400 people and create 175 construction jobs for New Jerseyans.

BASF currently employs 2000 people throughout the state in manufacturing, administration and R&D at nine locations in Belvidere, Budd Lake, Edison, Florham Park, Iselin, Rockaway, Somerset, Union and Washington.

“Our message is clear – New Jersey is open for business,” said Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno. “As Governor Christie and I continue working to ease to high cost of doing business, eliminate overly-burdensome and duplicative regulation and red tape in New Jersey, the story of businesses growing, expanding and relocating to our state will be retold over and over again. BASF is and will be an important leader in the Florham Park and New Jersey business communities for years to come. BASF’s new headquarters is the perfect example of growing green and sustainable industries throughout New Jersey.”

BASF Corporation Executive Vice President and CFO Fried-Walter Muenstermann underscored BASF’s dedication to sustainable development saying, “BASF’s strategic commitment to sustainable development means we simultaneously strive to be responsible stewards of natural resources, value-adding members of our communities and a solidly performing business built to stand the test of time. Once completed, this new facility will help us achieve all three of those interdependent objectives. We appreciate Governor Christie’s commitment to developing New Jersey’s economy by encouraging job growth and transforming the state’s business climate. BASF is pleased to be a part of this positive change.”

The new complex will have a net tax benefit of $500,000 and will be a U.S. Green Building Council registered building with the goal of obtaining LEED Platinum certification, the highest LEED status a building can achieve.

If this certification is achieved, the building will be the largest office building in New Jersey with this certification.

“The Rockefeller Group welcomes BASF to The Green at Florham Park, joining the Jets in what will be the model of multiuse development,” said Kevin R. Hackett, President and CEO of The Rockefeller Group. “We are privileged to be located in a great location with a supportive state and local government as well as a Class A tenant such as BASF in The Green.”

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