Avon To Open R&D Center in China

2010-03-18 | 07:13

Shanghai unit to be largest R&D facility outside U.S.

Avon Products, Inc. plans to open a new R&D center in Shanghai in the People's Republic of China. The new regional center, which will be open this year, will be Avon's largest R&D facility outside of the U.S.

Located in the Jinqiao Hi-Tech Park, the stand-alone 40,000 sq.-ft building will span six floors with additional capacity to expand. The site will primarily serve China, but will also support other markets in the Asia-Pacific region, while reporting directly to Avon's global R&D center located in Suffern, NY, according to the New York-based direct seller.

"We're delighted to be opening our new R&D center in Shanghai. This reflects our continuing commitment to the China market, which remains a significant long-term growth opportunity,” said Avon's chairman and chief executive officer Andrea Jung. “We believe that our expanded R&D presence in China will enable us to be closer to consumers and ensure that we leverage our scientific talent effectively to meet the needs of Chinese women."

In China, Avon currently has a regional R&D facility in Guangzhou, which conducts research activities for cosmetics and nutritional supplements. The research capability for cosmetics will move to the new regional R&D center in Shanghai, while research for nutritional supplements will remain in Guangzhou.

Avon also has regional research and development facilities located in Argentina, Brazil, China, Japan, Mexico, Poland and South Africa.