#United States #Trumbull #Henkel #R&D Center

Henkel Unveils New Research and Development Center in Trumbull, CT

In a significant announcement for both the local community and the consumer goods industry, Henkel has declared the establishment of its new Center of Research & Development in Trumbull, Connecticut. This ambitious project marks the largest non-manufacturing capital investment by the company in North America over the past decade, valued at over $70 million. The development signifies a critical step in Henkel’s strategy to enhance innovation and sustainability within its extensive range of consumer brands, including beloved names like all®, Dial®, and Schwarzkopf®.

A Hub for Innovation

The new research and development campus is poised to consolidate Henkel’s Consumer Brands R&D teams, which currently operate across three separate Connecticut locations. This centralization aims to foster collaboration, creativity, and customer-centric innovation, cultivating an environment where groundbreaking ideas can flourish. With a sprawling area of more than 10 acres and over 110,000 square feet of interior space divided into three buildings, the campus will support an impressive workforce of over 200 employees across 27 specialized laboratories and three pilot plants.

Phil Schaffer, Corporate Senior Vice President of Henkel Consumer Brands North America, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative: "We are excited to begin this next chapter for Henkel Consumer Brands R&D in 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. This major investment underscores our commitment to growth in Connecticut."

Features and Facilities

The Center of Research & Development will host a variety of functional groups, covering essential areas such as Hair, Body, Laundry, and Home Care Product Development, along with key departments like Packaging, Processing, Microbiology, and Regulatory Affairs. The facility is engineered not just for productivity but also for sustainability; plans are in place to achieve LEED Gold certification, reflecting Henkel’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

Additionally, the campus will include state-of-the-art amenities such as a cafeteria, outdoor workspaces, and advanced collaboration zones, all designed to create a flexible and progressive work atmosphere. Scheduled for completion by the end of 2027, the facility will not only bolster product development capabilities but also enhance career development opportunities for talented professionals in the region.

Positive Economic Impact

This investment is expected to significantly contribute to the local economy, according to Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, who noted the importance of such initiatives in maintaining Connecticut's reputation as a global hub for innovation. U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal also emphasized the jobs and community benefits that Henkel's expansion will provide, highlighting its potential to stimulate local economic growth while paving the way for the next generation of consumer products.

Henkel continues to maintain its North America regional headquarters in Rocky Hill, CT, along with a Consumer Brands office in Stamford, CT, further solidifying its presence in the region. The company, with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1876, is dedicated to leading in sustainability and innovative solutions across the industrial and consumer sectors.

As Henkel embarks on this exciting chapter, it aims to redefine its research and development landscape, ultimately enhancing the consumer experience through cutting-edge products that resonate with modern lifestyles. The new Center of Research & Development is just the latest testament to Henkel’s commitment to innovation, community, and sustainable growth.

For more details about Henkel and its extensive portfolio, visit Henkel North America.