It plans to integrate its Dutch-based R&D activities in a new innovation centre in Utrecht. The opening of the new centre is planned for 2012.
Most of Danone’s R&D activities in the area of specialised nutrition are already based in the Netherlands, in locations in Wageningen, Zoetermeer, Cuijk and Schiphol.
“The planned Danone innovation centre in Utrecht will create excellent opportunities for the growth of our business and employees,” said Danone head of R&D, Sven Thormahlen. “We want to build a new innovation centre for specialised nutrition for the 21st century in Utrecht Science Park. This is a reflection of the quality of the current teams and our desire to attract international talent. The Utrecht location is close to our baby and medical business in Amsterdam, and gives us the possibility to strengthen this relationship. Our investment will give Danone another world-class research centre, to join our existing facility in Palaiseau, near Paris.”
“Danone’s decision to move forward with this project shows that the Netherlands has a very competitive international offering for R&D and innovation,” said Dutch minister of economic affairs, Maria van der Hoeven. “When it opens in 2012, the new innovation centre will be a very positive flagship for the Netherlands and the region. My ministry and the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency take personal pride in guaranteeing our continued support to Danone in the run-up to 2012 and beyond.”
The project to open a new integrated centre for R&D in 2012 will mean the transfer of activities in research and development from the four existing Dutch sites. Danone will work closely with employee representatives and potentially affected staff in the Netherlands to finalise the scope of the project, and has committed to make personal plans to support and facilitate its employees in moving to the new facilities when the time comes.
Source: Danone
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