Score another for Westchester Economic Development: Danone North America comes to White Plains

Danone North America, the U.S. headquarters of the French-based, multi-national food giant whose global brands include Dannon yogurt and Evian water, will move its headquarters — along with 400 jobs — from Greenburgh to White Plains early next year. The announcement comes after the city’s Common Council on Monday unanimously approved a site plan and special permit to convert space in “The Source” building into offices, a cafeteria and a food laboratory.

“Danone’s decision is important for a variety of economic reasons. At the top of the list is the prestige that comes with the presence of a prominent corporate brand’s headquarters and its employees,” said Marsha Gordon, President and CEO of the Business Council of Westchester. “The high-tech sector lab also meshes perfectly with the steadily emerging science and technology sector that continues to expand in Westchester. The Business Council extends its sincere appreciation to all those involved in creating a program that encouraged Danone to stay and invest in Westchester. Mayor Tom Roach and the White Plains municipal government once again demonstrated foresight and leadership, County Executive Rob Astorino and the County Industrial Development Agency stepped up in a big way and Governor Cuomo and Howard Zemsky, President of the Empire State Development Corp., provided the all-important state-level support.”