PZ Cussons
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CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP
PZ Cussons is an innovative developer and manufacturer
of personal care products, based in Greater Manchester.
The north west of England has been described as the
'Land of Soap', with Unilever and PZ Cussons as leading
actors. This is now a highly innovative knowledge-based
industry, as the case of PZ Cussons and its collaboration
with the University demonstrates.
The strength of the industry in the region stems from the
19th century. Soap manufacture came to the region
because of the interaction of the chemicals industry,
attracted by local deposits of salt and the importation
of palm oils from the African colonies through the port
of Liverpool.
Patterson Zochonis, who imported oils, acquired the
Salford-based Cussons in 1975. The entrepreneurial
construction of the Manchester Ship Canal gave Salford
its own port.
The development of the company's Innovation
Centre next to the factory in Salford (to mark
the company's 125th anniversary), has
catalysed the development of an open
innovation strategy to better compete
in an increasingly demanding market place.
Manchester roots: A Cussons delivery van proudly
displaying its Mancunian heritage
All images reproduced courtesy of PZ Cussons
Sweet smell of success... how the University helped
PZ Cussons build new understanding on fragrance
