Kao Marks Major Investment in UK Manufacturing with Green Street Update

Kao has completed a major upgrade of its Green Street production site in Hertfordshire. The investment includes state of the art mixing equipment and a full refurbishment of office and R&D spaces, supporting both operational excellence and employee wellbeing. “This investment marks an exciting new chapter for Kao and our Green Street production - not just for our manufacturing, but also for our people. By transforming both our production and workplace environments, we’re expanding our capacity for innovation and supporting long-term success for our business and teams.” said Guido Kirchhoff, Global President Operations, Kao. “Our new production set up and technology will enable us to optimize manufacturing processes and further build our footprint in our Hertfordshire site, greatly contributing to our EMEA and global operations and business goals.”
 
Green Street is the global production site for Molton Brown, and one of two factories in EMEA for Kao, one of Japan’s leading consumer goods manufacturers best known for brands such as Molton Brown, Goldwell and John Frieda. With increased capacity resulting from the recent investment, the company is now actively exploring opportunities to expand production at Green Street to cover other brands from its portfolio, such as Bondi Sands and John Frieda.
 
Building a Future-Focused Production and Workplace

The project involved two strategic initiatives focused on strengthening both the local site and the broader business operations in the UK.
 
The first initiative saw Kao invest in an identical twin set of state-of-the-art mixing vessels, designed to enhance production efficiency and reliability, ultimately increasing capacity and capability at the Green Street production site. Their introduction also improves operator safety, as the vessels are sealed and self-cleaning, minimizing manual handling and exposure for staff. Additionally, the vessels are equipped with advanced homogenisers that optimize ingredient blending and elevate the final product quality.
 
As part of the second initiative, all office spaces at the Green Street site underwent a major renovation. The refurbishment included the full renovation of office floors, the R&D lab and desk areas, new focus booths,
improved welfare areas, updated restrooms, and a complete overhaul of heating and air conditioning systems. These improvements support a more collaborative, comfortable, and productive work environment for the site’s 130 employees.
 
The investments both reflect Kao’s commitment to local production, employee wellbeing, and to providing a modern environment that supports the future needs of the site as well as Kao’s business in and operations in the EMEA region and beyond. 
 
Juan Gonzalez, Director Production UK, said: "The modernisation of the Green Street site is close to my heart. I’ve worked here for nearly 25 years, and many of my colleagues have been on this journey with me. That shared history creates a strong sense of community and pride. With these upgrades, we’re giving back to our teams, providing them with the tools and environment they need to grow and thrive, alongside our business.”
 
A Strategic Investment in Kao’s Future – rooted in English heritage
 
The strategic investment represents another milestone in Kao’s Global Sharp Top Strategy, which focuses on establishing leadership in premium market segments through high-value offerings and unique market propositions - with the Cosmetics Business as one of its key global growth drivers. As one of the Cosmetics
sector's core brands alongside the Japanese premium skincare brand Sensai, Molton Brown's Green Street production facility is a key strategic location for Kao.
 
Founded in 1971 and acquired by Kao in 2005, Molton Brown has grown into a global presence across cities, luxury hotels, and airports in over 80 countries. The brand was granted a Royal Warrant by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2012, and by His Majesty King Charles III in 2024. Kao’s investment reflects its long-term commitment to Molton Brown’s legacy of quality and innovation, as well as its history of English manufacturing, while also laying the groundwork for future growth.