Ingredients producer goes back to its roots with office and warehouse launch

James Robinson Speciality Ingredients (JRSI), a global speciality ingredients business, has opened an office and warehouse space in Huddersfield as it looks to expand its services.

This follows the recent launch of the company’s biotechnology R&D facility in Manchester, to develop and produce sustainable natural ingredients for its international customer base.

The new 4,000 sq ft Leeds Road facility – with 3,000 sq ft dedicated to warehousing space – marks JRSI’s return to its roots, with the business originally founded and based at the same site at Hillhouse Lane in 1840.

Developing ingredients for the hair colourant, personal care and vision care industries, the company began as James Robinson and Co. It was procured by Vivimed Labs Ltd in 2008, rebranding to James Robinson Speciality Ingredients in 2019 following a management buy-out.

Alongside its Manchester Hexagon Tower R&D, QC & Application lab facilities, the Huddersfield site will be home to the firm’s administration team, working across sales & marketing, finance, customer service and logistics.

JRSI currently serves customers across the globe and the new site will enable the business to meet growing customer demand for its personal care and photochromic developments, in domestic and international markets.

The Huddersfield team will be headed by Naieem Rahim, group finance director.

He said: “Huddersfield is the birthplace of the James Robinson brand, and now, as a global enterprise, we are excited to bring the business back to where it started.

“It felt right to return to where it began, reconnecting with our roots at such an exciting time of growth for the company.

“With demand on the rise for our market-leading products and services, it was vital we had the infrastructure and team in place to effectively manage this as we continue to grow.

“This new facility provides a base for our Huddersfield team and supports our Manchester activities, as we further develop our presence both at home and internationally.

“With over 100 years’ experience in the industry under our belt, we are excited for this next chapter for the business, and we look forward to growing our team, expanding our product portfolio and continuing to deliver exceptional work for some of the biggest names in our industries.”