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UPDATE: CEO apologizes and press conferences were held Friday to respond
A day after the CEO of one of Camden's largest employers was criticized for his local workforce, the city's mayor apologized for saying he played "stereotypes" scandalous".
In an interview with ROI-NJ, Holtec's CEO, Krishna P. Singh, said his company had not reaped the financial benefits of a 600,000-square-foot factory that He had opened at Camden. The installation has been hailed as an indispensable economic engine that would create hundreds of local jobs.
Then-Gov. The Chris Christie Economic Development Authority granted Holtec $ 260 million in tax breaks in 2014.
The problem for Holtec, said Singh, was that the company can not find quality employees while the plant has become a drag on profitability. Still, the CEO said he hoped the employees would become role models.
Local workers do not have the necessary skills and work history, according to the interview. The Holtec factory in Camden "costs us millions right now," Singh said in the article.
"They do not show up for work," Singh told ROI-NJ. "They can not get up in the morning and come to work every day.They did not do it, and they did not see their parents do it.Sure, some of them they are getting into drugs. " it's difficult. "
Camden Mayor Frank Moran was "dismayed" by the company's comments and "outrageous stereotypes of Camden residents," according to a statement from Moran's office.
"I do not tolerate Dr. Singh's statement and we demand an apology," said Moran. "I will hold all Camden companies accountable and I expect them to be responsible and aware partners in the community and I pledge to ensure that prosperity reaches all neighborhoods. and the people of Camden. "
Mr. Moran went to social media on Thursday to defend his city against the criticism of the CEO. Holtec employs more than 300 people in Camden.
Do not disrespect my city. The people of Camden have more courage and ability to succeed than any other place. I know because I was born and raised here. The journey to rebuild Camden requires a commitment. I will ensure that prosperity reaches the people of Camden. Mayor Frank Moran
– City of Camden Gov (@CityofCamdenGov) September 13, 2018
"Do not disrespect my city Camden residents have more courage and ability to succeed than any other place I know I was born and grew up here.
A message requesting a comment from Holtec was not returned immediately Thursday. The CEO also criticized a progressive local group and Camden County's NAACP.
In a Facebook post, Women for Progressive Change from South Jersey called the comments "racist and classy".
"The Camden County NAACP strongly condemns the stereotypical and offensive comments of Holtec International CEO Kris Singh," the organization said in a statement.
The NAACP chapter said it would ask Singh "to seek clarification" on the issue.
Critics have questioned the value of tax subsidies to local residents. Earlier this year, Governor Phil Murphy called for an audit of the state's Economic Development Authority, with a focus on generous tax breaks for businesses.
Noah Cohen can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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