Henkel to open consumer brands R&D center in US

The facility, scheduled to open by the end of 2027, will serve as a central hub for product development and related functions supporting Henkel’s Consumer Brands business.

While the center will span multiple product categories, including personal care, it will also support innovation linked to Henkel’s adhesive portfolio, including brands such as Loctite, Technomelt and Bonderite. The adhesives brands cover a wide range of technologies, including cyanoacrylates, epoxies, silicones and polyurethane-based systems used in both consumer and industrial applications.

The new R&D center will bring together technical capabilities such as formulation development, packaging design, process engineering, analytical testing and regulatory support. These resources are expected to support the development of next-generation adhesive products for household, DIY and construction uses, where performance, durability and ease of application remain key requirements.

Henkel said the site is designed to provide a modern R&D environment, enabling collaboration, testing and scale-up of new formulations.

The investment reflects the company’s strategy of consolidating R&D resources to accelerate innovation across its Consumer Brands division, while maintaining a strong focus on core adhesive technologies.

Henkel will retain its North American headquarters in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, and its Consumer Brands regional office in Stamford, as it expands its R&D footprint in the region.

“We are excited to begin this next chapter for Henkel Consumer Brands R&D in North America,” said Phil Schaffer, corporate senior vice president, 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.”

“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.”

Photo: Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal joined Henkel leaders and other distinguished guests to celebrate the groundbreaking of Henkel’s new Center of Research & Development. (© Henkel)

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