Morton Salt joins a growing list of major companies leaving Chicago for safer, more business-friendly cities ahead of the opening of the Democratic National Convention on Monday.
Instantly recognizable by its iconic umbrella girl logo, the company was founded in Chicago nearly 180 years ago and has grown to become the largest salt producer in North America.
In 2021, the company Slash 40 percent ABC 7 Chicago reported that the company laid off employees at its headquarters to “help achieve its business objectives.”
Morton is now Relocate To Overland Park, KansasAccording to Illinois policy.
According to CNBC, Illinois Ranking The country ranks 33rd in business friendliness in the United States.
“It makes sense for Morton Salt to move their headquarters from Chicago to Kansas,” one X user responded.
It makes sense for Morton Salt to move their headquarters from Chicago to Kansas. Not only has Morton Salt been mined and refined in Kansas for over 125 years, but Chicago has been in a bad economic situation due to Democratic policies. Plus, there is less crime in Kansas!https://t.co/b7ugt8xtRh
— 🇺🇸 (@FreeStateWill) August 17, 2024
“Not only has Morton Salt been mined and refined in Kansas for over 125 years, but Chicago is suffering economically due to Democratic policies. Plus, Kansas has less crime!”
The Democratic National Convention, scheduled to begin on Monday morning, has drawn criticism from several companies. board Open the window Breitbart News reported this, predicting out-of-control protests.
Before Morton Salt, several other well-known companies had left Chicago for more affluent conditions.
Boeing
Aerospace manufacturer Boeing announced in May 2022 that it would move its headquarters from Chicago to Arlington, Virginia, in an effort to repair soured relationships with lawmakers and regulators in Washington, DC. Two deadly 737 Max planes crashCNBC Reported.
“This region makes strategic sense for our global headquarters given its proximity to our customers and stakeholders and access to world-class engineering and technical talent,” Boeing President and CEO Dave Calhoun said at the time.
Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Calif.), who was then chairman of the House Transportation Committee, slammed Boeing’s decision, saying “mismanagement” led to the crash that killed 346 people.
“Moving our headquarters to Chicago and leaving our Pacific Northwest roots was a tragic mistake,” DeFazio said. “Moving our headquarters again, this time to be closer to federal regulators and policymakers in Washington, D.C., is another step in the wrong direction. Boeing’s problem is not a lack of access to government, but ongoing production issues and the failures of management and the board of directors that led to the fatal crashes of the 737 Max.”
Caterpillar Tractor Company (CAT)
Construction machinery manufacturer Caterpillar Announced The company announced it would move its headquarters from its longtime home base in Illinois to Texas in June 2022, according to the Associated Press.
CAT has announced it will relocate its global headquarters to Irving, a suburb of Dallas, after more than 90 years in Peoria and about five years in the Chicago suburb of Deerfield.
“We believe this move is in our company’s best strategic interest,” CEO Jim Umpreby said at the time.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott congratulated the move, calling his state a “great fit for this international brand” in a post by X.
Today, Texas widened its lead as the number one state in the nation for home to Fortune 500 companies.
We are proud that Catapillar calls Texas home.
We are a perfect fit for this international brand. https://t.co/qrK06SnWrR
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) June 14, 2022
Citadel
Billionaire Ken Griffin moved his hedge fund, Citadel, from Chicago to Miami, Florida, after one of his colleagues was robbed at gunpoint and another was approached by “a random crazier who tried to hit him in the head.” said Bloomberg.
Griffin is originally from Florida. Net Worth Over $38 billion ForbesHe made the announcement in September 2022 after he could no longer tolerate Chicago’s skyrocketing crime rate.
He also Bloomberg He said, “Definitely [2024] He said he would not run for president and would consider moving to Washington, D.C., if a Republican president asked him to.
Despite Griffin’s criticism of the former president in the past, Met According to Fortune, he met with Donald Trump in July to discuss donating to his campaign.
He also Over $20 million According to the Republican Fundraising Committee, Financial Times.
Tetex
Railroad car company TTX announced that it will depart Chicago for Charlotte, North Carolina in July 2023. Joint Statement With Governor Roy Cooper (Democrat).
The relocation will create 150 new jobs in North Carolina, and the company has committed to investing $14.5 million in Mecklenburg County, the press release stated.
“We see Charlotte as a unique opportunity for TTX to provide strategic partnerships to strengthen our operations,” said TTX President and CEO Thomas F. Wells. “We are positioned to provide strong rail and freight car management services from the Charlotte metropolitan area, so we’re excited to partner with local innovators, business leaders and academic institutions to add value to the North American rail industry and our local economy. We also look forward to welcoming new local talent to our existing workforce to continue to drive long-term success.”
“Named the best state in the nation for business two years in a row, North Carolina’s quality of life, infrastructure and talented, well-educated workforce mean companies are confident they can succeed in North Carolina,” Governor Cooper added. “Given Charlotte’s excellent reputation as a place to do business, TTX’s decision to relocate its headquarters to the Queen City is not surprising.”
Tyson Foods
Tyson Foods, the world’s second-largest processor of chicken, beef and pork, 6th company in 2022 The company is leaving Illinois and relocating its 500 employees from offices in Chicago and Downers Grove to Arkansas.
The company also closed an office in South Dakota to consolidate workforce at its global headquarters in Springdale. ABC 7 Chicago Reported.
“Bringing our talented team members and businesses together under one roof provides greater opportunity to share perspectives and ideas, enabling us to solve problems faster and deliver the valuable, innovative product solutions our customers deserve,” said CEO Donnie King.
