Our Economic Contributions
We contribute to the local economy in many ways: providing jobs and benefits, paying taxes and building public infrastructure. The total payroll for our 9,108 employees (almost 4,000 of whom work in our plants) totaled $561 million in the U.S. and CAN $28 million in Canada in 2007. Additionally, we help boost the economy by paying taxes to local and state governments. In the U.S. in 2007, we paid $28 million in local property taxes,$21 million in state sales taxes and 40% of our income in federal and state income taxes. In Canada in 2007, we paid CAN $772,254 in local property taxes and 38% of our income in federal and provincial income taxes. Beyond this, we also invest in public infrastructure improvements where appropriate.
Addressing Community Concerns
As with any business, Nestlé Waters’ operations have an impact on local communities. Our goal is to maintain strong, productive relationships with each of the communities where we operate and to address issues raised by stakeholders in a timely and respectful manner. For example, we share scientific information about our sites and advocate for legislation to protect groundwater.
We also work to mitigate impacts from the manufacture and trucking of our products. For instance, in mid-2007, residents made Nestlé Waters aware of their concern about increased truck traffic and noise near our Hollis, Maine, plant. Complaints included trucks using unauthorized routes, noise from engine braking and speeding. Within two weeks, Nestlé Waters issued notices to all of its owned and contract carriers with specific instructions on how to solve these issues. Carriers were asked to sign and return the notice. Since that time, complaints have fallen significantly.