In the Wake of Kraft Purchase of Cadbury Schumer Secures Commitment to Maintain Thousands of Jobs at Kraft's Five New York Plants

Statement

Today U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced that he had secured a commitment from the head of Kraft Foods, inc. that their takeover of Cadbury Schweppes would not lead to layoffs at any New York State facilities. Schumer secured this commitment in a conversation with Irene Rosenfeld, CEO of Kraft Foods, Inc. Kraft has thousands of employees across New York. Schumer said that there had been little indication one way or another that the jobs were safe or at risk, and a commitment from the CEO should go a long way towards reassuring workers across the state. Schumer said that he became particularly concerned after learning that several plants were being shut down abroad, and wanted a to hear a hard and fast commitment that none of the New York plants were on the chopping block, which he received.

"I spoke to the CEO of Kraft and she assured me that Kraft loves New York and the first-class New York workforce that make their operations here so productive. Thousands of New Yorkers can sleep easier tonight, knowing their jobs are safe and not threatened from this merger," said Schumer. "Even in the better times, uncertainty about your job makes life much less enjoyable, and that is only compounded in difficult economic times. I'm glad that Ms. Rosenfeld said the company planned to keep Kraft facilities operating at full steam in New York -- it means she and the entire company recognize what a terrific and productive labor force we have."

Kraft has taken over Cadbury in an $19 billion deal. Kraft currently has factories at the following locations:

o A factory in Avon, in Livingston County, makes Cool Whip & Lunchables
o A factory in Lowville in Lewis County makes Cream Cheese
o A factory in Campbell in Steuben County makes mozzarella and Ricotta Cheese
o A factory in Walton in Delaware County makes Sour Cream & Cottage Cheese

Kraft Foods Inc. (Kraft) is engaged in manufacturing and marketing packaged food products, including snacks, beverages, cheese, convenient meals and various packaged grocery products. Last year the Company had operations in more than 70 countries and sells products in approximately 150 countries. The company manages and operates, through two commercial units: Kraft North America and Kraft International. Kraft North America operates in the United States and Canada. It completed its purchase of Cadbury this month.

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