ExxonMobil to Close Hunterdon County Research Facility
In a significant shift of operations, ExxonMobil has announced the closure of its Hunterdon County research facility, a move aimed at consolidation of its corporate research in Houston. The sprawling 757-acre campus, located at the nexus of Route 22 and Interstate 78, has been a cornerstone of Clinton Township for over 40 years, contributing to the local economy and job market.
As the company prepares to shutter the facility by 2028, employees are being offered opportunities to relocate to Houston. This transition is part of a larger strategy that also sees the closure of another ExxonMobil research facility in Sarnia, Ontario. The phased closures underscore a broader trend of corporate streamlining within the industry.
Local officials have expressed their disappointment at the loss of a long-standing community partner. Clinton Township Mayor Brian Mullay and Hunterdon County Commissioner Director Jeff Kuhl highlighted the impact of ExxonMobil’s presence in the region, not only as a major employer but also as a community supporter.
The decision has raised concerns about the future economic landscape of New Jersey. Ray Cantor from the New Jersey Business and Industry Association pointed out that the closure represents a setback for the state’s innovation economy, particularly in clean energy technologies. He called for improvements to New Jersey’s business climate to remain competitive with other states.
The future use of the ExxonMobil campus has been a contentious issue in Clinton Township, with debates over potential zoning changes that could lead to warehouse development. Despite these discussions, ExxonMobil has indicated no plans for expansion, with much of the property deemed surplus. The company has expressed a commitment to conservation efforts, ensuring that any future developments will include land set aside for farmland and wildlife habitat.
This development follows ExxonMobil’s 2017 expansion of the Clinton campus, which was heralded as a key innovation center. The expansion included new facilities to support research and development programs, emphasizing the company’s role in advancing technological progress within the industry.
As ExxonMobil navigates this transition, the implications for local economies and the broader corporate landscape continue to unfold. The consolidation into ExxonMobil’s Houston headquarters marks a new chapter for the company and the communities it impacts.
