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South Korean Cosmetics Company Opens First U.S. Plant In Solon

Photo montage of today's ribbon-cutting (pics: Brian Bull)
Photo montage of today's ribbon-cutting (pics: Brian Bull)

Inside the former L’Oreal facility in Solon, a line of Cosmax executives and Ohio officials readied their oversized scissors for the formal ribbon-cutting. A moment later, the ribbon fell as the crowd erupted in applause.

The event was attended by an international gathering of roughly 150 executives, officials, and journalists.

Cosmax was founded in 1992, and has four other factories in China and Indonesia. The company bought Solon’s 330,000-sq.ft. facility for $7 million and moved in just weeks after L’Oreal closed it.

Speaking through a translator, Kyong-Soo Lee, Chairman and Cosmax founder, spoke before the audience was divided up for tours.

“We will produce world, highest-quality products from Solon, to contribute development at the Solon,” said Lee. “While hoping for well-being and happiness of everyone here . We will be remembered in rooting a sustainable company today.”

State officials are praising the development. Republican Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor took a moment to taut the Kasich Administration’s efforts to create a more business-friendly climate in Ohio.

“Governor Kasich and I have been focused on that for the last four years,” said Taylor. “The unemployment rate’s down to 4.8 percent. We have been working together to lower taxes, balance our budget, be fiscally strong, and of course, I am personally devoted to getting rid of all the rules and red tape and regulation that stand in the way of business creation.”

Meanwhile, Democrats and other critics have attacked Kasich for some of his business initiatives, including the lack of transparency with his program, JobsOhio.

Cosmax makes cosmetics and hair care products for more than 200 brands worldwide, including L’Oreal, Estee Lauder, and Procter and Gamble. Its 3-apples logo represents Eve’s apple (morality), Newton’s Apple (scientific innovation), and Aphrodite’s apple (beauty).

A financial officer for the company says depending on demand, more jobs could be added in the future.

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