Henkel invests USD 70M in Trumbull R&D expansion
Construction has begun, with completion targeted for the end of 2027.
USA – Henkel has made a major commitment to Connecticut by investing over USD 70 million in a new state-of-the-art Center of Research & Development in Trumbull.
This marks the company’s largest non-manufacturing capital outlay in North America in the past decade.
This landmark project consolidates Henkel’s North America Consumer Brands R&D teams from three existing Connecticut sites into a single, advanced campus spanning more than 10 acres.
The facility will feature three buildings totaling over 110,000 square feet, including 27 specialized laboratories and three pilot plants to support more than 200 employees.
Phil Schaffer, corporate SVP, Henkel Consumer Brands North America, stated, “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 unified hub aims to boost collaboration, creativity, career growth, and customer-focused innovation across key categories like hair care, body care, laundry, and home care.
It will also incorporate functions such as packaging development, microbiology testing, product safety, and regulatory compliance.
Sustainable features target LEED Gold certification, alongside modern workspaces and employee amenities to foster long-term growth.
Henkel’s consumer portfolio, including all® free clear laundry detergent, Dial® soap, Schwarzkopf® hair care, Persil®, Snuggle®, and others, will benefit from accelerated advancements.
The groundbreaking ceremony drew Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, underscoring the investment’s role in regional innovation and talent retention.
Henkel will maintain its North America headquarters in Rocky Hill and Consumer Brands office in Stamford.
This move comes after Henkel recently agreed to acquire DeMert Brands, the parent company of Not Your Mother’s (NYM), to strengthen its hair care offerings in the United States, the world’s largest hair care market.
This deal targets NYM’s strong performance, with approximately €190 million (USD 221 million) in sales during fiscal 2025, driven by consistent double-digit growth and healthy margins.
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