Air Liquide announces that its subsidiaries Seppic, creator of specialty ingredients for healthcare, and Schülke, specializing in hygiene, have laid the foundation stone for an ultra-modern production site in Sandston (Henrico County - Virginia, USA). Scheduled to come on stream in the first half of 2018, the facility represents an investment of over $60 million and will help create around 50 jobs in the region.
The new site will produce ingredients for the world's leading cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. Specialty ingredients for cosmetics represent a market worth over $10 billion worldwide, including $25 % in the United States.
This production facility will enable both companies to strengthen their proximity to their American customers. The plant is located in the north-east of the USA, close to the majority of the industry's players. It will be managed via a joint venture between Seppic and Schülke, named Polykon Manufacturing. The resulting synergies will enable Seppic and Schülke to create added value in their respective areas of expertise, while meeting the growing need for innovation in these markets.
François Jackow, member of the Air Liquide Group's Executive Committee, overseeing Healthcare activities, commented: "Seppic and Schülke have a long-standing presence in the United States, where they serve major customers in the health and beauty sectors. This first U.S. production site for both companies will enable them to increase their innovation potential, expand their industrial footprint and get closer to their U.S. customers, while strengthening their global production capacities. With this investment, Air Liquide is pursuing its development in hygiene and specialty ingredients, and strengthening the Group's Healthcare business in this region."
