Givaudan to open New Jersey fragrance R&D center
creation centre in East Hannover, billed as the most
technologically advanced facility of its kind.
The company says the investment in the facility, put at €62m, aims to meet strong underlying growth in all strategic product categories, as well as efforts to meet the changing requirements of fragrance players.
The project is scheduled to start construction this month and is due for completion in June 2008.
To meet these requirements the design of the new facility will revolve around the further development of a hardware and software infrastructure targeted at the the needs of a variety of players within the industry, both large and small.
The company says that the facility, known as the Consumer Products Creative Center, will feature automation and robotics that will be used to develop and commercialize controlled release and malodour-based technologies.
Controlled release technologies ensure that the fragrance is emitted at a constant rate, ensuring its longer life, which malodour technologies help to prevent specific smells, being used mainly in deodorants and hygiene products.
The research and development technologies will be backed up by a new consumer and sensory intelligence lab that aims to help generate greater dialogue and communications with fragrance end consumers.
In recent months Givaudan has done much to increase its footprint in the fragrance sector, viewing it as an area with more potential for expansion, especially compared to the more sedate flavors sector.
The company, which has a turnover of CHF4bn ($3.3bn), announced that it was buying up UK-based rival Quest International in November of last year.
The deal, which is valued at £1.2bn ($2bn), consolidated the company's position as one of the world's leading fragrance providers, boosting its presence in high-growth, emerging markets such as China, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Africa and the Middle East.