Cussons invests £26m in a new UK innovation centre

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Manufacturing News, Source : The Manufacturer
Published : 10 Apr 2007 15:18
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R&D: Manchester is chosen for international centre of excellence for R&D and manufacturing

PZ Cussons, the Cheshire-based manufacturer of soap products, is investing £26 million in a purpose-built innovation centre at Agecroft, Greater Manchester, in response to rapid growth in its UK business.

The company said that Manchester was chosen for the location of the centre over eastern Europe or the far east because of the reliability of the supply chain and speed to market for its UK retail customers. It also attributed the choice to the UK’s skilled workforce and access to the Manchester universities. Construction is under way with completion expected in 2009.

The Innovation Centre will accommodate a new high speed liquids factory producing around 150 million units a year, a new R&D centre with a team of 25 chemists, and a new fragrance development centre creating new perfumes for the group.

The site will employ approximately 150 people, most of whom will be transferred from the existing facilities in Kersal Vale, Stockport, and Ellesmere Port, which will be closed.

Graham Calder, deputy chairman, said: “Our UK business has been expanding rapidly and, in recent years we have made great strides in product innovation for the UK market, with innovation in the Imperial Leather range, a complete overhaul of the Original Source Range and the recent launch of the Charles Worthington Men’s and Style.com ranges. This investment will provide the foundations for further long term growth.”