Coronavirus: $15M Donation, 1,000 Jobs Promised By Manufacturer

DEERFIELD, IL — Mondelez International, an international snack manufacturer, announced Monday its plans to ensure the continuity of its supply chains during the coronavirus pandemic as well as a $15 million contribution to community partners advancing relief efforts. Although the spread of the virus has inhibited the operation of numerous Chicago-area businesses, a Mondelez spokesperson said the company still is on track to relocate its global headquarters from Deerfield to downtown Chicago by April.

The company — whose portfolio includes Belvita, Chips Ahoy!, Nabisco, Oreo and Ritz — also will offer enhanced benefits and support for its U.S. workforce and hire additional U.S. colleagues. Benefits include a $2 per-hour increase based on number of hours worked paid as a lump sum through May 2 for the manufacturing, distribution and sales workforce as well as a $125 per-week bonus for sales representatives. U.S.-based employees also will receive two additional weeks of paid leave at 100% of pay less statutory pay. This will affect over 10,000 front-line employees.

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To ensure the continued functioning of distribution and sales in the coming months, the company will be hiring another 1,000 employees.

Mondelez's plans to relocate 330 corporate employees from its 53,000-square-foot offices at 3 Parkway North to Chicago's Fulton Market neighborhood are not expected to be delayed due to the coronavirus.

Jessica Vogl, global media relations manager for Mondelēz International, said the intent always was for colleagues to arrive in the new building in a staggered approach.

"The fit out of our new facilities is on track," Vogl said. "Currently our North America office-based workforce is recommended to work from home until April 13, pending re-evaluation as we continue to monitor the coronavirus situation."

The new headquarters was purchased by New York-based developer Thor Equities and rezoned in 2016. Mondelez had said it intends to have 400 employees at the site, as it also consolidates its contractors and employees from a Schiller Park-based subsidiary.