Henkel Bets Big on CT with $70M R&D Hub for Consumer Brands

TRUMBULL, CT – March 16, 2026 – Henkel, the global giant behind household names like Persil® laundry detergent and Dial® soap, has broken ground on a new state-of-the-art Center of Research & Development in Trumbull. The project, valued at over $70 million, represents the company's largest non-manufacturing capital investment in North America in the last decade and signals a major strategic consolidation of its innovation efforts in the region.

The groundbreaking ceremony drew prominent state leaders, including Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, who joined Henkel executives to celebrate the significant investment in the state's economic and innovation landscape. The new campus is set to unify Henkel's Consumer Brands research and development teams, which are currently spread across three separate Connecticut locations, into a single, collaborative powerhouse scheduled to open by the end of 2027.

A Strategic Consolidation for Innovation

The core of Henkel's plan is the unification of its R&D talent. The new campus will centralize a workforce of over 200 employees, including approximately 80 currently based at existing Henkel facilities in Trumbull and an additional 50 transferring from other company sites in Stamford and Darien. This consolidation is designed to foster a more integrated and agile innovation process.

Spanning more than 10 acres and three buildings, the campus will boast over 110,000 square feet of interior space. This will house 27 unique laboratories and three pilot plants dedicated to a wide array of functions, including product development for hair, body, laundry, and home care, as well as specialized groups for packaging, microbiology, analytical science, and regulatory affairs.

"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," said Phil Schaffer, Corporate Senior Vice President for Henkel Consumer Brands North America. "This significant investment underscores our long-term commitment to innovation, growth, and our talented teams in Connecticut."

The move is expected to accelerate the development pipeline for a portfolio that accounts for a significant portion of Henkel’s global business. North America represents Henkel's largest single market, contributing approximately $6.1 billion, or 26 percent, of the company's global sales in 2025. By creating a synergistic environment, the company aims to strengthen its competitive edge in this critical market.

Bolstering Connecticut's Innovation Corridor

The over $70 million investment is a major boon for Connecticut, reinforcing the state's reputation as a hub for advanced manufacturing and corporate research. The project solidifies Henkel's long-standing presence in the state, which includes its North American headquarters in Rocky Hill and a Consumer Brands regional office in Stamford.

"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," Governor Ned Lamont stated at the ceremony. He noted that the center would continue this legacy by "supporting cutting-edge research that will drive the next generation of consumer products."

While this project is not tied to new state financial incentives, it builds upon a history of partnership. In 2016, Henkel received a significant state incentive package under the "First Five Plus" program to relocate its consumer goods headquarters from Arizona to Stamford. This new, separate investment in Trumbull further cements the company's roots in the state.

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the local impact. "Henkel's expansion in Trumbull will help drive cutting-edge research and product development while creating countless opportunities for career development and innovation," he said. "Talented professionals and their communities will benefit."

Designing a Sustainable and Future-Ready Hub

At the heart of the new campus will be a newly acquired and renovated two-story, 45,000-square-foot building at 9 Trefoil Drive, which Henkel purchased for nearly $5 million. This facility is being designed to achieve LEED Gold certification, a globally recognized standard for sustainable building practices developed by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Achieving LEED Gold status requires meeting strict criteria for energy efficiency, water conservation, sustainable material use, and indoor environmental quality. This commitment aligns with Henkel’s broader corporate sustainability goals and reflects a growing trend in corporate development toward minimizing environmental impact.

Beyond its green credentials, the campus is being built for the modern workforce. Plans include a host of new amenities designed to support a flexible and collaborative R&D environment, such as a new cafeteria, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, outdoor workspaces, and modern collaboration zones. These features aim to attract and retain top talent in the competitive R&D sector.

Fueling the Next Generation of Consumer Products

The ultimate goal of this massive undertaking is to accelerate the creation of new and improved consumer products. The Trumbull site has a rich history in this area, having served as a key R&D location for Sun Products—which Henkel acquired in 2016—and subsequently as a driver of innovation for Henkel's own laundry and home care brands.

By bringing all facets of R&D under one roof, from initial formulation to packaging design and safety analysis, Henkel can streamline the path from lab concept to store shelf. This integrated approach is crucial in responding to fast-moving consumer trends, such as the increasing demand for sustainable products, high-efficacy formulas, and products tailored to health and wellness concerns.

The investment also positions Henkel to better integrate new assets into its portfolio. The company recently announced its intent to acquire "to acquire Not Your Mother's," a popular hair care brand, and the advanced capabilities of the new Trumbull center will be instrumental in leveraging such acquisitions for further growth and consumer-centric innovation. With its opening scheduled for the end of 2027, the Henkel Center of Research & Development is poised to become the engine room for the next generation of products that will stock shelves and shape daily routines across North America.