Subaru chooses former Sears site in Camden

Demolition began in 1013 on the 1927 former Sears building in Camden. ( TOM GRALISH / Staff Photographer )

Subaru of America plans to move its Cherry Hill headquarters to Camden, the company said Friday, and set up operations at the site of the former Sears building.

The planned site is in the Gateway office park near Campbell Soup's world headquarters on Admiral Wilson Boulevard.

More details of the project are expected to be announced later by the state Economic Development Authority, which next week will consider Subaru's request for tax incentives to move the company there.

If all goes as planned, the move would be completed by late 2016 or early 2017, company spokesman Michael McHale said.

The move is not expected to create new jobs in Camden. The company wants to move the 500 employees who work in its Cherry Hill headquarters and Pennsauken operations center into one new building.

Subaru had scouted other locations in New Jersey, as well as in Philadelphia.

"We're happy to stay in this area," McHale said.

Campbell Soup bought the long-vacant Sears building in 2012 and announced plans to develop the 13-acre property. Demolition began on the building last year.

Source: Philly.com