Gillette Opens New Headquarters

New headquarters about the best Gillette can get
By Jenn Abelson, Globe Staff | October 14, 2009
http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2009/10/14/new_headquarters_about_the_best_gillette_can_get?mode=PF

Gillette, the Boston shaving giant, yesterday unveiled its $50 million renovation and expansion of the World Shaving Headquarters in South Boston.

The manufacturing and research complex, totaling more than 1.65 million square feet, will soon accommodate between 400 and 500 employees who previously worked at the Prudential Center corporate headquarters. The 44-acre site features perks including a convenience store, coffee bar, and an “Art of Shaving’’ shop that with an onsite barber.

Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino toured the renovated building yesterday, admiring the 9,000-square-foot fitness center and exercise bicycles that connect to the Internet.

All of the corporate employees will complete their move by Nov. 1, trading large offices and views of the Charles River for the more low-key South Boston digs. The new offices feature open layouts, and even top executives will have offices without doors, similar to the design at Gillette’s parent company, Procter & Gamble Co.

The renovations also include an upgraded cafeteria, two-story glass lobby, and state-of-the-art video conferencing facilities. Gillette, which once occupied more than 19 floors in the Prudential, announced two years ago that it planned to vacate the tower when its lease expired in 2009.

“It’s like coming back home,’’ said Chip Bergh, P&G’s president of global grooming. “This is where it all began.’’