PZ Cussons’ £26m vote of confidence in NW

PZ Cussons took the wraps off its £26m North West innovation centre and said its investment in the new facility was a vote of confidence in the North West.

The company, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year, shunned overtures from overseas locations and opted instead to build the innovation centre at Agecroft, Salford.

The listed company, an international consumer products business which makes brands such as Imperial Leather and Carex, has its headquarters in Stockport, and employs 430 in the North West.

Speaking at the launch, chairman, Anthony Green said: “As we celebrate the 125th anniversary of PZ Cussons we are proud to open this, our new innovation centre.

“This investment in both manufacturing and research and development will be our Centre of Excellence for global personal wash. As such it reflects the group’s confidence both in the quality and dedication of our staff and in the economy of the North West of England as a whole.”

Mr Green was joined at the launch by Angie Robinson, chief executive of Greater
Manchester Chamber, who added: “PZ Cussons is a valued Chamber member and one of the UK’s leading brands.

“It is great to know that such a major company is investing in spite of the tough economic conditions we are all facing.

“The centre shows the firm’s continued commitment both to its Greater Manchester base and the research and development of innovative new products.” 

The development, built on the site of the former coal mine in Agecroft, houses three departments in two buildings, and employs 156 people, the majority in manufacturing.

The new facility provides PZ with significantly more capacity than was available at the previous production sites in Kersal Vale and Ellesmere Port.