Global Centre of Hair Care Technology launches at Manchester’s Hexagon Tower

Lonza, an international supplier to the pharma and biotech markets, has strengthened its Manchester presence with a new facility at Hexagon Tower.

The company has launched a 5,250 sq ft Global Centre of Hair Care Technology at the vertical science park, establishing a new base for the development of chemical products for the personal care industry.

Lonza, which has operated its Hair Care Centre at Hexagon Tower since 2015 after acquiring 2,275 sq ft of offices and lab space, recently bolstered the senior team for its personal care business with the appointment of Dr Jamie Hawkes as global head of hair care tech.

Dr. Hawkes, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, said: “The addition of this centre to Lonza’s R&D footprint allows us to leverage our fundamental understanding of the properties of hair and generate robust data packages that will strengthen the benefits of the current hair care portfolio, as well as create new product developments.”

Hexagon Tower is part of the science and innovation park group BEST Network.

Chemical company SmartKem, which manufactures semiconductors for applications including flexible digital displays and electronics, also expanded by 5,036 sq ft.

Michael Cripps, the group’s operations and finance controller, commented: “We are delighted that Lonza has decided to extend its home at Hexagon Tower and grow its hair care base.

“It is a vote of confidence in the region to see so many science and technology firms choose to set up or grow their operations – and helps to ensure Manchester is kept at the forefront of innovation.”

Lonza’s expansion at Hexagon Tower follows news of polymers firm Lubrizol Advanced Materials’ acquisition of a further 4,533 sq ft of lab space in July.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →