In a statement sent to the media on Thursday afternoon, Michael Mullen, senior vice president of corporate government affairs for the Kraft Heinz Company announced the move, adding that Kraft Heinz’s offices will spread across five floors in Chicago’s AON center, 200 E. Randolph Street. The move will take place in early 2016.
The company will sign a 12.5 year lease occupy a total of 170,000 square feet in the building. Kraft Heinz previously announced Chicago will be its headquarters for the Kraft portion of the company, while the Heinz portion of the company will retain its headquarters in Pittsburgh.
“The Kraft Heinz Company saw an immediate opportunity to firmly establish our dynamic new culture, based on meritocracy, speed, efficiency and collaboration, in a new downtown Chicago open-office space to support our next chapter of growth while further strengthening our world-leading brands,” Mullen said.
Chicago is where Kraft started in 1903. In a statement, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel welcomed the company back to its rooks and said the move is an economic coup for the city.
“Not only will Kraft Heinz be bringing hundreds of new jobs to the City, but it will become, once again, a pillar of Chicago’s business community,” Emanuel said.
Mullen thanked Emanuel for his partnership and support in the statement, but the city was sure to note that there were no financial incentives asked for or given related to this move.
Kraft Heinz affiliated brands include Athenos, Capri Sun, Jell-O, Kraft Natural Cheese, Bagel Bits and Heinz Tomato Ketchup.