Unilever to move Trumbull operations to New Haven, bring 300 jobs

The company behind popular consumer brands like Dove announced it is relocating its Connecticut offices from Trumbull to New Haven, bringing hundreds of jobs with it.

Unilever said it will invest $270 million to build a new Global Innovation Center in New Haven near MLK Boulevard and Temple Street.

The facility will serve as a hub for research and development and is expected to bring about 300 jobs as it replaces the company’s current site in Trumbull.

Unilever says it chose New Haven for various reasons, including the network of innovation here and access to future talent.

“It’s a really big deal. I don’t think it really set in until today how big a deal this is,” New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said.

Unilever, which also produces brands like Liquid I.V. and TRESemmé, said it looked at sites in and out of state before deciding to keep its R&D operations in Connecticut.

“Trumbull served us well for 60 years. It was no longer a site for the future. We looked extensively in many different locations, including outside of the state, and we decided to maintain the R&D side in the state of Connecticut, in the City of New Haven,” said Leo Quiono, Unilever senior vice president.

State officials said Connecticut is providing a $10 million forgivable loan tied to job retention.

Despite recent layoffs by companies like Stanley Black & Decker, state officials believe overall jobs are growing.

“Would I like to see them growing quicker? Absolutely. But things like this, announcements like this, this is part of the flywheel. Like I think people are starting to see companies like Unilever want to be in the State of Connecticut,” said Daniel O’Keefe, commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development.

Unilever expects the New Haven innovation center to open in 2029. The company will occupy several floors, and there are already plans for additional tenants in the building.

Source Link