In his formal remarks, Christie said, “My administration will continue to pursue and enact policies that retain and attract companies like Goya, creating new job opportunities for New Jersey families, and capital investment and development in our communities." Goya is the country’s largest Hispanic-owned company.

The new site, developed by The Rockefeller Group, will house a 577,000-square-foot warehouse and 38,000 square feet of office space to be built by R.C. Anderson.

"This marks Goya's largest expansion in the company's history," said Unanue "For over 76 years, we have built this company into what it is today, the leading brand within the Hispanic market and a company that is widely recognized in the food industry and in this country. “

Christie arrived a bit late for his own speech, prompting Unanue to make a crack about having worried he might be facing a “Clint Eastwood moment” - a reference to the actor’s conversation with an empty chair which he said represented President Barack Obama at the Republican gathering. Unanue then proceeded to ladle the governor with praise, saying he is both respected and loved in New Jersey.

The big tax breaks granted to Goya under the Urban Transit Hub program administered by the state Economic Development Authority have been criticized by taxpayer and environmental groups as not being the most appropriate way to provide economic incentives, since Goya is moving from one city to an adjacent one – and merely transferring jobs.

Unanue stressed that about 70 jobs are being moved from New York when the facility is completed in 20144, and that more than 150 construction jobs will be created.

“At the end of the day, we’re creating jobs. We’re creating economic activity,” he said.