Japanese beauty company Kao Corporation has completed a large-scale renovation of its Green Street manufacturing facility in Hertfordshire, UK, home to the iconic British luxury brand Molton Brown. With over 50 years of manufacturing history, the site has long been central to the brand’s production, and this recent upgrade marks a strategic turning point for Kao’s operations in the UK.
The investment, estimated to be in the low double-digit million-pound range, focuses on expanding production capacity and enhancing operational efficiency. At the heart of the renovation are sealed, self-cleaning mixing vessels and state-of-the-art equipment that aim to balance worker safety with elevated product quality.
In addition to the production enhancements, the office and research & development areas have also been completely refurbished. The result is a modern work environment designed to promote employee well-being and foster cross-team collaboration.
This move underscores Kao’s commitment to strengthening the UK as a key manufacturing hub. The company has indicated that it is considering the Green Street facility for future production of other group brands, such as haircare line John Frieda and self-tanning brand Bondi Sands.
Juan Gonzalez, Director of UK Production, who has worked at the site for nearly 25 years, shared his personal connection to the project: “The modernization of the Green Street site is close to my heart. I’ve worked here for nearly 25 years, and many of my colleagues have been on this journey with me. That shared history creates a strong sense of community and pride. With these upgrades, we’re giving our teams the tools and environment they need to grow and thrive.”
Kao plans to continue investing in the future of manufacturing, enhancing both its talent and product quality, and reinforcing its global expansion, starting with the UK.
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