Shaklee to sell Hacienda headquarters building Shaklee to sell Hacienda headquarters building (August 10, 2001)

Company known for environmental focus

Shaklee Corp., a diversified health food and wellness products company, announced this week that it plans to sell its award-winning, ecologically-friendly headquarters building in Hacienda Business Park and possibly move out of Pleasanton.

Real estate experts estimated the sale price at $25 million for the uniquely designed 127,000-square-foot building and its 28 acres at Willow Road and Gibraltar Drive.

A spokeswoman for the company, Jenifer Thompson, said Shaklee needs to downsize into about 60,000 square feet of space to meet current operating needs for its 200 employees. Depending on the outcome of its offering, Shaklee could stay in Pleasanton in a smaller building or lease back office space from a buyer of its headquarters facility.

"In any event, we are planning to stay where we are for another year or so," she said.

The building, opened in 1999, has won numerous awards from environmental organizations for cutting-edge architectural designs and technologies that include energy-saving features, sustainable construction materials and an air circulation system that offsets greenhouse gas emissions.

Founded in 1956, Shaklee has been recognized as an industry pioneer in developing products and manufacturing techniques that focus on health and the environment. It uses natural ingredients made in facilities that are designed for the health and well being of employees, as well as its customers.

Several years ago, Shaklee was acquired by Tokyo-based Yamanouchi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., a global manufacturer and marketer of health care products. Yamanouchi also owns the Bear Creek Corp. in Medford, Ore., whose businesses include Harry and David gourmet foods and Jackson & Perkins roses and gardening products.

Last January, Yamanouchi named Nicholas Teti to head its U.S. business division, which includes Shaklee. Recent changes in operating goals have focused on increasing the synergism and profitability of its U.S. business units, including Shaklee.