INDUSTRY NEWS - Kering Opens U.S. Headquarters in Wayne, NJ

Kering Americas opens its new U.S. operations center in Wayne, New Jersey.



The new 770,000 sf state of the art facility is inspired by the architecture and sophistication of Kering's global headquarters in Paris, featuring neutral colors, with wood panels and modern furniture that add intimacy to the sprawling, industrial space. The new facility uses luxury building materials, fixtures, and appliances that are all environmentally sustainable to help the facility earn LEED Gold certification. The facility serves as Kering's new North American operations center, replacing its existing facility in Secaucus. The site sits on 31.8 acres and is located at 150 Totowa Road. The building features 100,000 sf of stylish and comfortable office space, a 17,500 sf repair center, and a 308,000 sf warehouse/distribution facility.



In recent years, Kering pioneered a value-oriented approach to responsible luxury, taking a stance on important issues such as sustainability and gender equality. Kering's CEO François-Henri Pinault said in the New York Times, "If your products are not in sync with a higher set of values, then you aren't going to survive in this business."

With sustainability at the heart of Kering's mission, the new facility is designed beyond sustainable construction, renewable energy and zero emissions considerations. The new facility also incorporates overall health and well-being considerations such as material sourcing, water quality, air quality, and transportation efficiency in an overall strategy of caring about the people behind the company by elevating the workplace experience.

"Our facility in Wayne offers best-in-class amenities focused on preserving safety, wellness, and community which has proven to be of the utmost importance during these challenging times," said Laurent Claquin, President of Kering Americas. "Our employees' work-life experience remains our priority," said Claquin.



Technology is a key feature of the new space, which includes a Tech Bar and Retail Lab. These spaces bring employees together to test ideas for stores. There are also various café and amenity spaces, with large gathering spaces for companywide events.

The offices are built around a 50-foot central staircase, which leads to a mezzanine level and cascades into the café, offering views of a golf course through 24-foot-tall windows. Sit-to-stand personal benches along the wall of windows that line the length of the building ensure that each employee is surrounded by ample sunlight. This access to daylighting and outdoor views further illustrates Kering's commitment to a healthier and comfortable work environment.







"Wayne is an incredible achievement for Kering Americas. The current pandemic presents numerous challenges, but our employees continue to persevere with creativity and resilience. We have been given the opportunity to reflect, retool and react so that as we move forward, we can work better than ever before," said Jean-François Palus, Group Managing Director of Kering. "The United States is a key country for the group, and we are excited to not only better serve our clients in this market, but to further invest in this region and to attract the best talent," said Palus.

Kering Americas is expanding its local workforce, and currently st talent at its new Wayne facility, see JOBS - Wayne.