Reckitt Benckiser to create new UK consumer health research centre

Reckitt Benckiser has announced that it will be creating a new state-of-the-art research and development centre in the north of England.

Part of the organisation's consumer health research operations in Hull, the centre of scientific excellence will become the global technical innovation hub for products such as Nurofen and Strepsils.

Around 100 million pounds will be spent on the project, securing the long-term future of the existing operations and 1,200 jobs in Hull as a result. The investment has been welcomed by UK chancellor George Osborne.

Work has already begun on the design and planning aspects of the project, with work set to commence next year. The centre is expected to be fully operational by early 2018.

Reckitt Benckiser's global chief executive officer Rakesh Kapoor said the investment "not only shows the importance we place on innovation, but also underlines our faith in the UK as a place to invest in technical expertise and in consumer health research and development".

During the first half of 2014, the company generated 4.67 billion pounds in net revenue, up by three percent year on year at constant exchange rates.