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WEB EXCLUSIVE
Snapple Beverage Group of White Plains and Motts, Inc., of Stamford, Conn., will combine into one integrated company headquartered in New York's Hudson Valley.

In December, the Westchester County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) approved $659,000 in sales tax exemptions for Cadbury Schweppes, which is consolidating its Snapple Beverage Group, Inc., and Motts, Inc. businesses in Westchester, NY. The project will create 200 jobs and result in a $10.9 million office renovation in 135,000 square feet of space in Rye Brook. Motts Inc. and Snapple Beverage Group headquarters are currently in Stamford, CT and White Plains, NY.

"We're happy that Snapple and Motts plan to join the roster of corporations that have chosen to locate their headquarters in Westchester," says County Executive Andy Spano. "The company's decision to consolidate in Westchester validates our belief that business comes here because of our high quality of life. We've always said quality of life is our strongest business asset."

Cadbury Schweppes representatives worked with Salvatore J. Carrera, the county's director of economic development, in its analysis to consolidate in either Connecticut or Westchester County. The Rye Brook facility was formerly owned by IBM but been vacant since 1991.

The IDA and county Office of Economic Development worked jointly with the Empire State Development agency to prepare a package of incentives to encourage the company to choose Westchester over other possible locations. The county's Office of Economic Development will also be available to help with workforce training and development as well as mass transit savings.

"This is the cream on the cake for ending 2003," Carrera said. "It shows the positive attitude out there about Westchester County. The right decision was made because of what Westchester can offer, which includes a great quality of life, good transportation, a quality workforce, great location, and competitive rents."

London-based Cadbury Schweppes plc is the third largest soft drink maker in the world. The company is in the process of combining Dr Pepper/Seven Up, Mott's and Snapple into one regional beverage company. The regional beverage company's brands include Dr Pepper, Hawaiian Punch, Mott's, Nantucket Nectars, RC Cola, Schweppes, Seven Up, Snapple, and Yoo-hoo. Rye King Associates, owner of 900 King Street, earlier received IDA assistance in the form of sales tax abatement for $2.5 million in building renovations. Con Edison has approved reduced utilities rates to Rye King Associates for the building to further enhance its modernization and lease up.