NEW JERSEY — Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco is pointing to the planned closure of HelloFresh’s Swedesboro distribution center and the elimination of 374 jobs as the latest sign of what he says is a worsening business climate in New Jersey.
Bucco, R-Morris and Passaic, issued a statement following news of the closure, arguing that state policies are making New Jersey less competitive for businesses.
“HelloFresh is the latest example that New Jersey’s business climate is headed in the wrong direction, and Trenton Democrats continue to refuse to listen.
“Three hundred seventy-four New Jersey workers are losing their jobs as HelloFresh closes its Swedesboro distribution center. This comes as we watch one major employer after another reduce its presence in our state.
“Mars Wrigley is closing its Newark headquarters and eliminating hundreds of jobs. Samsung and ExxonMobil are moving to Texas. Anheuser-Busch is closing its Newark brewery, and Johnson & Johnson chose Pennsylvania for a more than $1 billion manufacturing investment.
“These are not isolated events. They are warning signs that Republicans have been pointing to for years.
“For years, New Jersey has ranked among the states with the worst business climates in the country. Instead of addressing that problem, Trenton Democrats continue to make it more expensive to do business here. The additional Sherrill business taxes enacted as part of this year’s budget are only adding to that burden.
“Republicans have offered solutions to improve New Jersey’s business climate, lower the cost of doing business, and make our state more competitive. Unfortunately, Trenton Democrats continue to refuse to take meaningful action.
“Businesses are voting with their feet. If Democrat policies don’t change, it will continue to get worse.
“New Jersey should be competing to attract businesses, investment, and jobs – not giving employers more reasons to take them somewhere else.”
In his statement, Bucco also cited several other recent corporate announcements involving New Jersey.
Mars Wrigley announced in July that it would close its Newark headquarters, while Samsung announced in June that it would move its U.S. headquarters from Englewood Cliffs to Plano, Texas, by the end of 2026, according to information provided by Bucco’s office.
Bucco also pointed to ExxonMobil shareholders’ approval in May of a plan to redomicile the company in Texas and Johnson & Johnson’s February announcement of a more than $1 billion investment in a manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania.
He also cited Anheuser-Busch’s December 2025 announcement that it would close its Newark brewery.
Bucco represents New Jersey’s 25th Legislative District and serves as the Senate Republican leader.
