Keurig Eying Burlington for New Headquarters

Keurig, the company behind the popular K-Cup coffee machines and cups, is looking for a new location for its headquarters and is eying Burlington as a potential home. 

Chris Stevens, Vice President of Corporate Relations, and Lynn Tokarczyk, President of Business Development Strategies, Inc., came to Monday night's Burlington Board of Selectmen meeting to discuss the possibilities of moving the Keurig headquarters to Burlington. The idea was met with enthusiasm by members of the board and Town Administrator Robert Mercier.

Stevens said the Keurig, which is owned by Green Mountain Coffee, is looking for a larger location to consolidate it's headquarters. Currently Keurig has a base of operations in Reading and offices in other New England states. Tokarczyk confirmed after the meeting the company is looking to close office locations, including the Reading office, and move to a new location, though the final destination is under consideration.

"This is a relocation and consolidation into one facility. They haven't made a decision on which location, in Massachusetts or outside of the state yet," she said. "This is just preliminary. Burlington has two location in consideration and there are others under consideration as well."

The options for Burlington are 63 South Avenue and 186 Middlesex Turnpike. Stevens said that the company is interested in Burlington because of its easy access from the highway, business-friendly atmosphere and amenities for employees.

Stevens added that relocating to Burlington would be a boon for the community. He said Keurig would add to the tax base, its employees would spend money locally and the business would improve or refurbish an unused building.

Keurig also plans to hire 400 new employees. Tokarczyk said jobs will be advertised to qualified Burlington residents first if the company were to come to town.

"The hiring plan is to open jobs to qualified Burlington residents first," she said. "Keurig will advertise locally and at job fares and various events. What they're saying is they expect to create 400 jobs and look to hire qualified residents of Burlington first and then the region."

During the presentation Tokarczyk also spoke about tax incentive programs from the state and a possible deal with the Town of Burlington. The issue was discussed in brief and will be the focus of further conversations with town leaders.

Members of the board and Mercier stated they were enthusiastic about the possibility of Keurig relocating in town. Mercier said he thought it would be a "win-win" for both the company and community and members of the board agreed. 

"We think Keurig coming to Burlington would be great for the community," Selectman Robert Hogan said. "Even if residents get one-fourth of the new jobs, that is still 100 new jobs."

"I’m excited and I think Keurig and Burlington make a perfect fit," Chairman of the Board Walter Zenkin added. "You care about your company and invest in that and we care about our residents. We have a great location and we put investments in infrastructure and the business community."

Burlington Patch will bring updates on this story as more information becomes available.