Henkel, a global leader in adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings, proudly inaugurated its cutting-edge technology centre, marking a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to innovation and collaboration. The sprawling 70,000 square foot facility serves as a captivating destination for Henkel’s strategic partners and customers, providing a dynamic platform to showcase their diverse range of adhesives, sealants, functional coatings, and specialty materials. The technology centre fosters an environment that promotes collaboration and facilitates the development of groundbreaking solutions in partnership with customers from over 800 industry segments.
Innovation lies at the heart of Henkel’s endeavors, as emphasized by Michael Todd, Vice President of Innovation and New Business Development at Henkel Adhesive Technologies. “The technology centre Bridgewater is designed to encourage collaboration across the value chain. We have successfully started this concept with the opening of our Inspiration Centre in Düsseldorf last year and aim to adapt and leverage it in core markets, such as North America,” he expressed.
Central to Adhesive Technologies’ innovation strategy is the development of sustainable solutions for their customers, an aspect highlighted by Michael Harwell, Vice President of Innovation, Consumer Goods Adhesives. Through the integration of digital technologies, an array of exhibits, and state-of-the-art laboratories, customers from the United States, Canada, and Mexico can immerse themselves in Henkel’s innovative and technological prowess. The technology centre’s opening signals Henkel’s eagerness to invite both customers and partners to collaborate closely and work together in propelling industry-wide advancements.
At the heart of the facility lies the interactive infinity room, a captivating display showcasing Henkel Adhesive Technologies’ most groundbreaking solutions in the region. Among the featured programs are sustainable packaging for consumer goods, the latest trends in palletizing with a focus on sustainability, smart health solutions employing printed electronics for diapers and personal health monitoring, digital solutions for equipment maintenance, repair, and operation in manufacturing, and advancements in engineered wood applications for the construction sector.
Pernille Olsen, Corporate Vice President of Packaging and Consumer Goods Adhesives, highlighted the significance of Henkel’s investment in the technology centre. “The Adhesive Technologies’ Technology Centre in Bridgewater expands on Henkel’s leading position in sustainability and innovation by providing a functional, yet inspiring, collaboration space for partners and customers,” Olsen explained. “Through onsite collaboration at the Technology Centre, we can fully customize customer interaction to focus on co-innovation and joint value creation.”
The Bridgewater site currently employs over 200 workers, offering world-class analytical and rheology capabilities to support a range of markets. These include hygiene, packaging and labeling, tissue and towel, flexible packaging, paper lamination, EPIX packaging, pressure-sensitive tapes, graphics, medical and labels, engineered wood, and furniture and construction.
Henkel’s investment in the technology centre solidifies its commitment to growth and market enhancement in the United States, contributing to sustained profitability. By bringing together industry leaders and fostering a spirit of innovation and collaboration, the centre is set to shape the future of adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings, while further establishing Henkel as a key player in sustainability and breakthrough solutions.