Molton Brown and Bondi Sands owner invests millions in UK manufacturing site

Kao Corporation, the global beauty group behind Molton Brown, John Frieda and Bondi Sands, has completed a significant investment at its Green Street manufacturing site in Hertfordshire, marking a major milestone in its UK operations.

The double-digit million-pound upgrade enhances the site’s production capabilities and underlines Kao’s long-term commitment to British manufacturing. The facility, which has been the home of Molton Brown for over 50 years, now features advanced sealed, self-cleaning mixing vessels that will boost production efficiency, improve product quality and increase safety for operators.

In addition to the manufacturing improvements, Kao has refurbished the site's office and R&D spaces to foster a more collaborative, people-first environment. The overhaul includes modernised welfare areas and workspaces designed to support innovation and staff wellbeing.

While Molton Brown remains central to Green Street’s operations, Kao has confirmed it is exploring the potential to expand production at the site to include other brands from its portfolio, notably beloved British brands John Frieda and Bondi Sands. This possibility points to a strategic opportunity for Kao to consolidate manufacturing in the UK, though no firm plans have yet been confirmed.

Guido Kirchhoff, Global President Operations at Kao, described it as "an exciting new chapter supporting both innovation and the wellbeing of our people, while further building our local and global operations."

With this move, Kao is reinforcing its position in the UK not just as a manufacturing base, but as a centre for first-class product development.