Henkel expands Brandon facility, doubling capacity to advance EV and electronics innovation with sustainable manufacturing, digitalization, and strong community partnerships.
Henkel, a global leader in adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings, and the company behind several iconic consumer brands, has officially celebrated the expansion of its flagship manufacturing facility in Brandon, South Dakota. With a total investment of around USD 30 million, combined with substantial support from South Dakota’s government and economic development organizations, Henkel has doubled the size of the site from 35,000 square feet to 70,000 square feet. This transformation reinforces Brandon as Henkel’s North American hub for advanced thermal management and adhesive technologies. The expansion aligns with the company’s mission to provide high-performance solutions under its LOCTITE® and BERGQUIST® brands, catering specifically to the fast-evolving electric vehicle (EV) and electronics industries.
Commenting on the milestone, Bjoern Jackisch, Senior Vice President of Operations & Supply Chain for Henkel Adhesive Technologies, emphasized that this expansion represents a significant step in strengthening Henkel’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and long-term partnerships. He noted that the Brandon investment underlines Henkel’s ambition to support the rapid growth of the EV and electronics sectors while contributing to sustainable mobility worldwide.
A Sustainable Manufacturing Hub
The Brandon facility holds the distinction of being the first within Henkel’s North American Adhesive Technologies operations to be registered for LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, targeting LEED Silver®. This underscores Henkel’s long-standing commitment to responsible growth, environmental stewardship, and sustainable manufacturing practices.
Advanced Capabilities to Meet Growing Demand
The expansion incorporates advanced equipment, including additional mixers, that enable high-volume manufacturing of next-generation thermal management and adhesive solutions. These technologies are critical for ensuring safe, efficient, and durable performance of automotive batteries and electronic devices by regulating operating temperatures. With this upgrade, Henkel is now equipped to meet increasing demand across North America’s EV and electronics markets, ensuring a steady supply of essential materials for long-term industry growth.
Marcel Fleck, Senior Vice President of Automotive Components at Henkel Adhesive Technologies, highlighted the collaborative spirit that made the expansion possible. He stressed that this development was more than just infrastructure—it demonstrated how government, industry, and communities can join forces to achieve transformative progress. Fleck also pointed to Henkel’s newly launched North America Battery Application Center in Madison Heights, Michigan, as part of a broader strategy to accelerate innovation, deepen customer collaboration, and drive sustainability in EV and electronics.
Investing in People and Digitalization
The Brandon facility employs over 100 skilled professionals whose expertise reflects Henkel’s values of innovation and collaboration. The expansion not only creates capacity but also strengthens Henkel’s long-term digitalization strategy, with initiatives such as paperless workflows, automated process controls, and improved efficiency measures. Originally built in 2009, the Brandon facility received this significant investment announcement in October 2021, with construction commencing in September 2022. Today, it stands as a symbol of Henkel’s growth ambition, technological leadership, and dedication to shaping the future of mobility and electronics.
