UK-based consumer goods company Reckitt announces the start of constructing its global R&D center in Shanghai with an investment of more than 300 million yuan started construction on Jan 16. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Reckitt, a UK-based consumer goods company, announced the start of constructing its global research and development center in Shanghai with an investment of more than 300 million yuan ($40.92 million) on Thursday.
The center, set to begin operation in 2026, is aimed to accelerate the innovation and growth of the company in China.
Formally known as the global R&D Science and Innovation Centre, the center situated in Shanghai's Minhang district is Reckitt's biggest R&D site investment in Asia.
"China is one of Reckitt's most important markets. Over the past 30 years, we have established deep connections with Chinese consumers, always keeping their needs at the heart of everything we do," said Kris Licht, CEO of Reckitt.
"With our latest investment in the Science and Innovation Centre, we affirm our long-term commitment to enhancing the lives of over 100 million Chinese households with superior health and hygiene products designed for the Chinese market, which can also be a blueprint for global innovation," Licht said.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Reckitt's starting operation in the Chinese mainland, and the company has been serving the needs of Chinese consumers for over 100 years. Currently, about 95 percent of Reckitt's products in China are locally designed and tailored to the unique health and hygiene needs of Chinese consumers, the company said.
Occupying more than 8,000 square meters of space, the center is equipped with world-class R&D facilities, cutting-edge digital systems and AI-enabled technologies. It aims to attract the world's top R&D talents to provide comprehensive end-to-end R&D capabilities for Reckitt's health and hygiene businesses. It will support the development of all Reckitt brands in China, including Durex, Dettol, Move Free and Finish, and enhance Reckitt's competitive advantage by offering more locally developed products.
"This investment will allow us to expand our understanding of Chinese consumers' evolving needs and deepen our scientific research capabilities, so we can bring more breakthrough products to market more quickly," said Angela Naef, chief R&D officer of Reckitt.
"Reckitt also looks forward to collaborating with local universities and research institutions and developing local talent to help support the healthy lives of Chinese families, " Naef said.
As a hub of economic and technological innovation, Shanghai boasts a superior location, abundant talent pool, and significant innovation resources. It is also the center of Reckitt's commercial business and close to Reckitt's newest factory in Taicang.
"Choosing Shanghai for our Global R&D Science and Innovation Centre will also promote closer cooperation and connection between the commercial and R&D teams, allowing the global R& team to hear the voices of the Chinese market more directly," said Arjun Purkayastha, senior vice-president of Reckitt.
