Schwan Cosmetics USA

Gresham Smith provided complete design services for the 173,000-square-foot Schwan Cosmetics USA headquarters and manufacturing facility in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The new space supports the North American expansion of the German-based private-label cosmetics supplier and consolidates two aging plants in Piscataway, New Jersey, and Lewisburg, Tennessee, into one centralized facility.

The facility accommodates numerous Schwan functions—corporate administration, new product research and development, product manufacturing and distribution—and features a variety of employee amenities including a fitness center and locker rooms, café with computer stations and conference rooms. The strategic layout supports highly efficient production, ease of maintenance and environmental responsibility. It also maximizes adjacencies to encourage collaboration between manufacturing employees and office employees.

The design reflects the company’s reputation as a manufacturer of products for high-profile global cosmetic brands and embodies the slogan “Inspiration Engineered” with a sleek, energizing aesthetic. The space is also designed to allow clients to fully experience the innovations of the Schwan Cosmetics’ team. The reception lobby will make a striking first impression with glass walls offering direct views into the clean, organized manufacturing facility. A neutral palette helps to strategically highlight branding elements.

The design/build project was led by Gresham Smith and Turner Construction. It was constructed on a 25-acre greenfield site on a fast-paced 12-month schedule. The project has supported the creation of approximately 300 jobs in Rutherford County.