Mondelēz invests in $15m Polish innovation hub
Snack conglomerate Mondelēz International has broken ground on its $15 million global research, development & quality (RDQ) facility for chocolate and biscuits in Poland.
The innovation hub in Bielany Wroclawskie is expected to open in the first quarter 2017 and will support new products and technologies for Mondelēz’s power brands, including Cadbury Dairy Milk, Milka, Barni and Oreo. The site will also be equipped with innovation labs, a new pilot plant and a ‘collaboration kitchen’ – a creative space for new ideas and experimentation.
“This $15m investment supports our growth strategy to offer innovative chocolate and biscuit products that meet the changing needs of consumers, while maintaining a competitive edge in the markets of tomorrow,” says Rob Hargrove, executive vice president of research, development & quality for Mondelēz International. “Embedding one of our largest research hubs here clearly signals the importance of Poland and Europe within our global RDQ network.”
Zoltan Novak, managing director for Mondelēz Poland and the Baltics, adds that Wroclaw is becoming “an incredibly important strategic location for our business”.
The investment, Mondelēz explains, will boost its chocolate and biscuit power brands and is expected to host 250 scientists, engineers and other specialists. Its presence in the country will grow, with 1,400 employees in the Wroclaw region as well as cooperation with local partners and suppliers.
