Demolition begins at Nabisco factory in Fair Lawn, but tower still standing, for now
FAIR LAWN — Crews have started the mammoth job of tearing down the Nabisco plant, a landmark remembered by many for the mouthwatering smells that it often released into the outside air.
But the former factory at 500 Route 208 north is also one of the most recognized structures in the county, and it supported blue-collar workers and their families for nearly 63 years.
On Thursday, operators of heavy machinery were seen demolishing the south end of the plant — the side closest to McBride Avenue.
Its tower portion, barren of the iconic red letters that once spelled out NABISCO, was still intact. There were new red markings on the facade: X’s spray-painted around the perimeter of the building — an ominous sign for what is to come.
At the time when it opened in October 1958, the factory employed some 1,500 people with an annual payroll of $7.5 million.
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Those workers, according to a newspaper article of that era, churned out more than 175 million pounds of snacks per year.
Nabisco, formerly National Biscuit Co., makes Chips Ahoy! and Oreo cookies, as well as Ritz, Triscuit and Wheat Thins crackers, among other products.
“Residents always enjoyed the smell of cookies that came from Nabisco, so we’re definitely going to miss that,” said Mayor Kurt Peluso.
“But more importantly, that was a place for careers,” he added. “We’re looking forward to the new facility to bring back some jobs to assist the workers here, in Fair Lawn, and throughout the tri-state area.”
Mondelēz International Inc., the Chicago-based holding company of Nabisco, sold the 39.7-acre site for $146.5 million in October 2021 to a limited liability company tied to Greek Development of East Brunswick, which builds cold-storage warehouses, distribution centers and manufacturing facilities. It filed a site plan application with the borough on Wednesday.
Philip DeVencentis is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: devencentis@northjersey.com
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Nabisco factory demolition in Fair Lawn NJ underway
