Area Development
France-based Polykon Manufacturing, a joint venture between Seppic, Inc. and Schülke Inc., will locate its operations in Henrico County, Virginia.

The company, entities of Air Liquide Healthcare, will purchase approximately 22 acres in White Oak Technology Park where it will manufacture ingredients for the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

Polykon, which will invest more than $60 million in the new facility, primarily produces consumer cosmetics for private-label brands, such as Estée Lauder and L’Oreal. This will mark the company’s first manufacturing operation in the US. The White Oak Technology Park facility will join the company’s three other production sites including two in France and one in China. Polykon plans to create approximately 50 jobs after the facility becomes operational in 2017. Barry Matherly, Greater Richmond Partnership President/CEO said, “Advanced manufacturing is strong in the Richmond Region, and so is our allure to foreign direct investment.” Approximately 70 percent of the Partnership’s prospects are internationally based.

According to the Partnership, the region’s favorable labor market and utility costs helped the firm choose Henrico over the other finalist site in Ohio. The Partnership was first made aware of the project in October 2014 by site selection consultants from the Chicago office of Cushman & Wakefield, a commercial real estate broker.

“Our existing business community is invaluable in recruiting outside firms to our region,” said Partnership Vice President of Business Development Bethany Miller, who managed the project. “One of the services that we provide to prospective companies is a detailed visit itinerary.

Polykon will benefit from the Virginia Investment Partnership grant from the Commonwealth of Virginia and will likely apply for a grant from the Virginia Jobs Investment Program. In addition, Henrico County will help offset the cost of water and sewer connection fees.

“We are delighted to welcome Polykon Manufacturing LLC as another member of Henrico County’s thriving international business community,” stated Tyrone E. Nelson, Chairman of the Henrico County Board of Supervisors. “With their new facility in White Oak Technology Park, Polykon Manufacturing LLC will be poised for future growth, joining high-performing companies in the park like QTS Data Centers and Anord Critical Power.”