Fresh breath on the way

Wrigley is closing its plant in Phoenix, Arizona, and transferring manufacture of dissolvable fresh breath film products to Poznań over the next nine months. Executives say the move follows expansion of the market in Europe for its Eclipse, Extra and Winterfresh brands, a simultaneous decline in sales in the States and concerns over shipping costs. A statement from the company reads: "Given the added cost of transportation and tariffs associated with U.S. manufacturing for Europe, the decision was made to move production closer to where the majority of future sales are anticipated. "As operations are scaled back in Phoenix, equipment and production of the breath strips will be shifted to the company's confectionery plant in Poznań, Poland." Wrigley is the world's largest manufacturer of chewing gum, marketing its brands in 180 countries and with annual global sales of more than $3 billion. Nearly 100 employees in Arizona will be offered alternative employment in the firm or given severance pay. J.T.