A major employer in Hunterdon County will shut its doors over the next few years.

ExxonMobil announced the closure of its Research and Engineering facility in Clinton Township located off US-22 and I-78, saying the company is establishing a new, state-of-the-art technology hub at its Houston campus.

ExxonMobil says the relocation will impact nearly 600 employees and that most employees will be relocated to the Houston area.

“This move will expand our research capabilities and set a foundation for growth well into the future,” Exxon Mobile said in a statement.

Clinton Mayor Brian Mullay says ExxonMobil's Research and Engineering facility has been a part of the Clinton Township community since it opened over four decades ago, supporting thousands of jobs in that time.

“We are incredibly disappointed to learn that ExxonMobil has chosen to close this facility over the next few years,” Mullay says.

The New Jersey Business & Industry Association also released a statement saying the consolidation should serve as a reminder as to why New Jersey needs to greatly improve its business climate and be more competitive with other states.

ExxonMobil told News 12 New Jersey that it expects to complete a phased relocation by 2028.