LVMH's new research centre opens 2010

The 16,500 m 2 centre will accommodate up to 250 researchers, with future extension possibilities that would allow the site to welcome a further 100 scientists, confirming LVMH's leading role in the world of cosmetics research and development.

Director of LVMH Recherche Eric Perrier said that the centre's capacity would allow the company to expand its research and development work.

The company recruits between 4 and 10 researchers a year, explained Perrier, a figure that it wishes to increase as the company expands.

The project, named Helios after the Greek sun god, will become the international research centre for the Moët Hennessy - Louis Vuitton brands.

The €29m project will be financed by three LVMH brands - Parfums Christian Dior, Guerlain et Parfums Givenchy, although all LVMH brands will benefit from the centre's research and development projects.

The scientists will explore new anti-ageing, moisturising and pigmentation formulations, as well as performing customer surveys and improving knowledge of the consumer, according to the company.

LVMH Recherche applied for the right to build the centre at the site near Orléans late December, last year.

Confirmation is expected in May 2008 before building can commence in September.

The centre is expected to be finished at the end of 2009, ready to be opened early 2010.

LVMH is well known within the industry for its research and development and the company hold regular conferences and symposiums on the latest scientific innovations that affect the cosmetic sector.

In September 2007 the research arm of the luxury products group held a symposium on stem cells and their implications for skin care.

Scientist from the US and Europe were invited to explore the significance recent findings in therapeutic application and the advances in stem cell research for the science of the skin.

Carlo Pincelli from the University of Moderna and Reggio Emilia, Italy, presented his work on the biochemicals that help to regulate the survival and division of the stem cells.

Pincelli and his team isolated two components that appear to be important for the division and differentiation of the stem cells: high levels of beta1-integrin, a transmembrane receptor; and the protein survivin.

Collaboration between LVMH and researchers such as Pincelli lead to the launch of Dior's anti-ageing range, Capture R60/80.

The products helps stem cells generate new cells and strengthen the skin's foundations, allowing the wrinkle to repair itself from within, said Dior.