Revlon Transforms Former Merck Lab into Cosmetics Innovation Hub

Aerial rendering of the Northeast Science and Technology (NEST) Center facing south, which showcases conceptual plans for the campus including enhanced power capabilities, the construction of several new buildings, and upgraded campus amenities. Image: Courtesy of HOK Group

The Northeast Science and Technology (NEST) Center, a 100+ acre campus dedicated to life science innovation, announced that cosmetics and personal care company Revlon will relocate its New Jersey-based R&D lab to NEST’s state-of-the-art facilities. Revlon’s new 62,000-square-foot lab and office space within 15 NEST, the former Merck global research headquarters in Kenilworth, NJ, marks a significant investment in the company’s innovation capabilities. This move aligns with Revlon’s commitment to developing advanced consumer-inspired products while benefiting from NEST’s premier lab infrastructure.

Lab Design News spoke to Matthew Flath, Onyx Equities' senior vice president of asset management, who highlighted Revlon’s addition as a step toward creating a collaborative research ecosystem at NEST. This announcement follows CoreWeave’s recent decision to join the campus, solidifying NEST’s reputation as a hub for cutting-edge science and technology.

Q: How is the former Merck facility being retrofitted to align with Revlon’s specific research and development needs in the cosmetics and personal care sector?

Matthew Flath, Onyx Equities' senior vice president of asset management

A: The former Merck global research headquarters building, now known as 15 NEST, contains a wide range of small and large molecule laboratory types, including heavy chemistry labs, biological research labs, and bio-manufacturing QC labs. The space Revlon is leasing is an existing heavy chemistry lab, with the intent to leverage the existing world-class lab infrastructure and reconfigure it to support the development of cosmetics and personal care products. This involves adapting laboratory spaces for specialized equipment used in formulations, stability testing, and product innovation.

Q: What types of upgrades or modifications are being made to the existing lab infrastructure to accommodate Revlon’s pilot manufacturing and office functions?

A: The upgrades include integrating small-scale manufacturing lines within the lab spaces to facilitate pilot production. They’re also modifying the existing air handling and filtration systems to meet cosmetic manufacturing standards, installing advanced utility connections for specialized equipment, and optimizing office spaces to promote collaboration between research and administrative teams.

Q: What strategies or services is Revlon employing to ensure minimal disruption to ongoing research activities during the relocation process?

A: Revlon is employing a phased relocation strategy, allowing critical research activities to continue uninterrupted. The NEST Center’s project management team is working closely with Revlon’s staff to synchronize timelines and provide logistical support.

Q: Can you share details about the timeline for the relocation and how logistics are being managed to maintain efficiency?

Aerial rendering of the southern half of the Northeast Science and Technology (NEST) Center facing Southwest, which showcases conceptual plans for the campus including enhanced power capabilities, the construction of several new buildings, and upgraded campus amenities. Image: Courtesy of HOK Group

A: The relocation is planned over several months, with detailed milestones for each phase. Our logistics teams are coordinating the transport of sensitive equipment, setting up temporary facilities, and ensuring that new lab spaces are operational before the transfer of critical assets. Real-time communication channels between Revlon and NEST staff ensure that any challenges are promptly addressed.

Q: Which companies or services are assisting Revlon in relocating its lab equipment and setting up operations at the NEST Center?

A: Revlon will partner with specialized laboratory relocation firms that have expertise in handling sensitive equipment and materials, but has not yet made any selections. Additionally, local contractors and engineering consultants will assist with the setup of operations, ensuring adherence to both safety and performance standards.

Q: How is Revlon planning to handle the transition of sensitive research materials, equipment, and data to ensure their safety and continuity?

A: Revlon will employ a multi-layered approach that includes secure transport with GPS tracking for materials, thorough documentation protocols, and pre-validation of all relocated equipment before use. Data is being securely migrated using encrypted systems, with redundant backups to prevent loss.

Q: How will Revlon’s teams leverage NEST’s infrastructure and collaborative environment to enhance their innovation capabilities post-relocation?

A: Revlon’s teams will benefit from NEST’s state-of-the-art lab facilities, shared amenities, and access to a community of innovators. The collaborative environment fosters knowledge exchange and partnerships, enabling Revlon to accelerate product development and explore cross-disciplinary innovations.

Q: Were sustainability or energy efficiency considerations part of the redesign and relocation process? If so, what measures are being implemented?

A: Yes, sustainability is a core focus. Energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems, and water-saving technologies will be integrated into the larger NEST campus. We’re also working with Revlon to incorporate green chemistry principles in their R&D processes and plan for recycling programs to minimize waste.

Rendering of 15 NEST, the future home of Revlon's research and development facilities. Image: Courtesy of HOK Group

Q: How is the new space at NEST designed to accommodate potential future needs or expansions of Revlon’s R&D operations?

A: The facility offers modular lab spaces and scalable infrastructure, allowing Revlon to expand its operations as needed. We’ve also designated areas for future customization, ensuring that the space evolves with Revlon’s growth and technological advancements.

Q: With other tenants like CoreWeave moving into the NEST Center, what opportunities does Revlon see for cross-industry collaboration or resource sharing within this innovative ecosystem?

A: The diverse tenant base at NEST, including CoreWeave and the recently announced NJIT (New Jersey Institute of Technology) @ NEST Center for Translational Research, presents exciting opportunities for collaboration. CoreWeave’s expertise in advanced computing and AI can support Revlon’s exploration of AI-driven product development, while NJIT’s focus on translational research offers avenues for partnerships in cutting-edge materials and technologies. Sharing resources, fostering knowledge exchange, and leveraging the collective expertise of the NEST ecosystem will enhance Revlon’s innovation capabilities and strengthen its position as a leader in the cosmetics and personal care industry.