January 24

Tom's of Maine to move R&D team to N.J.

The shift will result in the elimination of seven positions in Maine, says a company spokeswoman.

By Eric Russell erussell@pressherald.com
Staff Writer

Tom's of Maine, the widely known Kennebunk-based producer of all-natural personal care products, has moved its research and development department to its parent company in New Jersey.

click image to enlarge

In this March 2006 file photo, Tom Chappell is seen through his store window for Tom's of Maine outlet in Kennebunk. The widely known Kennebunk-based producer of all-natural personal care products, has moved its research and development department to its parent company in New Jersey.

2006 Press Herald file/John Patriquin

click image to enlarge

A Tom’s of Maine employee works on the deodorant line at the company’s plant in Sanford.

Press Herald file photo/John Patriquin

Additional Photos Below

The shift resulted in the "difficult but necessary" elimination of seven positions, according to company spokeswoman Susan Dewhirst.

"The move builds on a successful ongoing partnership between the new product development teams in Maine and Piscataway (New Jersey) and represents a long-term investment in innovation behind Tom's and a focus on more rapidly bringing new natural products to market," she said in an email.

Piscataway, N.J., is home to the research and development arm of consumer products giant Colgate-Palmolive, which in 2006 bought an 84 percent stake in Tom's of Maine for $100 million. Tom and Kate Chappell, who founded the company in 1970, own the remaining 16 percent.

The seven employees who were laid off will have the opportunity to apply for similar jobs in New Jersey but would have to relocate.

Tom's employs about 150 people at its headquarters in Kennebunk and its manufacturing facility in Sanford, where the company produces dozens of products, including soap, toothpaste, deodorant and mouthwash. The company has made a name for itself in part because of its commitment to avoiding any ingredients that are chemically derived, have a negative environmental impact, or are tested on animals.

Dewhirst said despite the layoffs, Tom's continues to invest in Maine.

"Over the last several years, we've made major capital investments to our manufacturing facility in Sanford," she said. "While change can be difficult, this expansion helps strengthen the company for growth over the long term and helps us bring more of our high quality natural products to people who love Tom's and the stores they shop in across the country."

Staff Writer Eric Russell can be contacted at 791-6344 or at:

erussell@pressherald.com

Twitter: @PPHEricRussell

Were you interviewed for this story? If so, please fill out our accuracy form

Send question/comment to the editors


Additional Photos

click image to enlarge

Toothpaste by Tom's of Maine.

2006 Press Herald file/John Patriquin

  


Further Discussion

Here at OnlineSentinel.com we value our readers and are committed to growing our community by encouraging you to add to the discussion. To ensure conscientious dialogue we have implemented a strict no-bullying policy. To participate, you must follow our Terms of Use.

Questions about the article? Add them below and we’ll try to answer them or do a follow-up post as soon as we can. Technical problems? Email them to us with an exact description of the problem. Make sure to include:
  • Type of computer or mobile device your are using
  • Exact operating system and browser you are viewing the site on (TIP: You can easily determine your operating system here.)


Most…