The New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) and New Jersey Business magazine recently honored the Cadbury Schweppes Science and Technology Center in Whippany with a 2006 New Good Neighbor Award.

NJBIA President Philip Kirschner presented the award to Barbara Raphael, senior vice president at the center, during the 46th Annual New Good Neighbor Awards luncheon, held June 2 at the Sheraton at Woodbridge Place in Iselin.

“Willy Wonka, move over.  Your chocolate factory can't hold a candle to this gleaming state-of-the-art, confection-technology center,” Kirschner said.  “This project brings under one roof all of the technology and expertise needed to deliver the company’s new generation of winning gum and confection products.”

The new $45-million, 148,000-square-foot facility is home to the worldwide Center of Excellence within Cadbury Schweppes (the world’s largest confectionary company). Leading Cadbury Schweppes confectionary brands include Trident®, Dentyne®, Halls®, Certs® and Bubblicious®.

One hundred forty five full-time and five part-time workers create new technologies for gum and candy development, formulating new flavors.  Workers also look for ways to improve the manufacturing processes, thereby making gum and candy production more efficient.  They are also responsible for developing colorful, innovative and fun packaging.

The center features open office and coffee house-type spaces to encourage collaboration.  State-of-the-art “plug and play” laboratories and an open-air courtyard for scientists can take a break are also part of the layout.
 
Cadbury Schweppes has a 200-year tradition of giving back to the community.  From contributing to the United Way and volunteering to paint a homeless shelter, to sorting food at local food banks and sponsoring summer concerts and street fairs, Cadbury Schweppes’ Americas Confectionary team is increasingly a part of the local community.

Paulus, Sokolowski & Sartor Architecture, PC designed the building, which was built by by Skanska USA Building Inc.  Hanover Township Mayor Ronald Francioli nominated the project.

The New Good Neighbor Awards Luncheon annually brings together a dynamic group of builders, architects, engineers and others in the development community to honor those responsible for the State’s most impressive new commercial construction and renovation projects. An independent panel of 23 judges selected the 12 winners based on economic impact, architectural merit and community involvement.   In all, 29 applications representing more than $600 million in construction costs and 7,000 jobs were submitted.

With more than 23,500 members, NJBIA is the nation’s largest state-level employers association.  New Jersey Business magazine is NJBIA’s flagship publication.