Collagen Solutions to relocate US R&D office to Minneapolis to save costs

Collagen Solutions is to relocate its US research and development headquarters from San Jose to Minneapolis in the first half of the year.

The AIM-listed collagen manufacturer said that the move will bring its commercial operations and research and development team together at the same location.

By merging the two sites, the company is expected to realise operational cost savings, which can be further invested in its research and development projects.

Leading the R&D team will be Chris Wattengel, vice -president of global research and development, who has recently joined from Kensey Nash/DSM after a 16 years.

Chief executive Jamal Rushdy said that with the commercial team based in Minneapolis, the “greater proximity will help serve the needs of our growing North American customer base more effectively”.

In addition, Dr Stewart White, a founding member of Collagen Solutions, will step down from his position as chief scientific officer and the board to “pursue other opportunities”, effective from 30 June.

Dr White will remain in a consultancy role and continue to participate as a member of the scientific advisory board.