Henkel has strengthened its long-term North America innovation strategy with more than US $70m investment into a new research and development campus, set to open at the end of 2027.
The German consumer goods giant, which owns Schwarzkopf and recently acquired hair care brand Not Your Mothers, announced that construction has begun on its new Center of Research and Development in Trumbull, Connecticut.
This new development marks the company’s largest non-manufacturing capital investment in North America in the past decade.
The Henkel Center of Research & Development will see Henkel's North America Consumer Brands R&D teams, currently operating across three locations in Connecticut, come together at this new single site.
The centre will span three buildings on more than ten acres of land, with more than 110,000sqft of interior space to support more than 200 employees in 27 laboratories and three pilot plants.
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“We are excited to begin this next chapter for Henkel Consumer Brands R&D in North America," said Phil Schaffer, Corporate Senior VP, Henkel Consumer Brands North America.
"Innovation is deeply rooted in our DNA, and bringing our teams together will enable us to deliver transformative solutions that delight consumers and customers and have the potential to shape category trends.
“This significant investment underscores our long-term commitment to innovation, growth, and our talented teams in Connecticut."
The campus currently includes 30 and 4 Trefoil Drive and will add a new facility at 9 Trefoil Drive – a newly acquired two-story, 45,000sqft space set to become the campus hub.
Henkel will continue to operate its North America region headquarters at Rocky Hill, Connecticut and its Consumer Brands regional office at Stamford, Connecticut.
"Connecticut is a global hub for innovation because of the pioneering research taking place at our companies and academic institutions, and the collaborative ecosystem that supports them," said Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont.
"With Henkel's new Center of Research & Development in Trumbull, we are continuing that legacy by supporting cutting-edge research that will drive the next generation of consumer products and strengthen our state's leadership in innovation, advanced manufacturing, and product development."
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