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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Henkel Plans Expansions at Geneva, New York and West Hazleton, Pennsylvania Production Plants

09/14/2020
Henkel, a leading manufacturer of well-known beauty care brands, will invest $23 million in its North American manufacturing facilities, adding equipment and major improvements to support additional production of Dial liquid hand soap and hand sanitizers at its production facilities in West Hazleton, Pennsylvania and Geneva, New York.

The new expansion includes a $17.3 million investment in new equipment and technology at Henkel's Geneva, New York facility to support production of Dial hand sanitizers and foaming hand wash, in addition to $2.5 million at the West Hazleton facility. As part of this overall expansion, Henkel has also invested $3 million in additional equipment to support on-site production at both sites.

To support new lines, which will contribute about 45 to 55 percent of total production at the Geneva facility, the company will be creating 180 new jobs at the plant. The facility, acquired by Henkel in 2018, will also be rebranded from Zotos Professional to Henkel to reflect the expansion of its operations beyond professional hair care products to supply essential products like antibacterial soap and hand sanitizers.

"We are thrilled to announce a supply expansion of essential products in North America," said Doug Parkinson, Vice President of Operations at Henkel's Geneva facility. "It's not only a win-win for our business, it will support our local job and economic growth. Investing in Dial will provide consumers and businesses with much needed home and personal hygiene products."

"This new investment builds our long history of commitment to the Geneva community and sustainability efforts. In 2011, we invested $6 million to build two 1.6MW wind turbines that now provide up to 20 percent of total site consumption equivalency, and on a windy day, the turbines can fuel the entire plant. Additionally, the facility is investing $5 million in a wastewater treatment system that will ensure a clean effluent stream, ultimately enabling reuseable water as a pillar of our community sustainable strategy," said Parkinson. "With this new Henkel investment and the addition of the powerhouse Dial brand, our modern operations support the addition of 180 highly-skilled & talented employees that we are attracting from our local community to help further strengthen the Finger Lakes economy. We are extremely proud to be increasing our essential manufacturing of Dial soap and sanitizer products, during this challenging time."

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said, "There are now 180 new reasons to cheer every time we wash our hands thanks to the expansion of Henkel's manufacturing facility in Geneva. This will lather up a major economic boost in the heart of New York's Finger Lakes region by harnessing our skilled workforce to manufacture the sanitizers and soaps needed in our homes and workplaces during the pandemic, all while investing over $17 million to create 180 new jobs. I applaud Henkel for doubling down on its Geneva workforce and committing to grow this facility now and into the future."

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