The new center will be the company’s largest facility outside the US and is being built to green certification standards under the company’s Green Building Promise; a commitment to construct all major new Avon buildings according to stringent green standards, including local green building codes and the US Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System.
"Avon's new Shanghai R&D Center reflects our continued commitment to the China market, which remains a significant long-term growth opportunity for the company," said Andrea Jung, Avon CEO, who flew out to China to join Chief Scientific Officer, Xiaochun Luo, in introuducing the new build.
Closer to the consumer
"Our expanded R&D presence in China brings us closer to consumers here, ensuring that we leverage our world-class scientific talent effectively to meet the needs of Chinese women."
Located in Jinqiao, the new R&D Center will focus on developing beauty products, including skincare, personal care, color, and hair care products
The facility houses scientists in the areas of product development, safety and quality testing, microbiology, chemical engineering and consumer research.
Avon Chief Scientific Officer Luo added, "The Shanghai R&D center allows us to build on our legacy of offering Chinese women first-to-market breakthrough beauty technologies, including our highly successful ANEW anti-aging skincare line and Avon Color cosmetics.”
“It's also a critical tool in helping us build upon our innovation leadership position in China and across the region."
Customized products
The Shanghai facility will report directly to Global R&D in Suffern New York, near New York City, with its researchers working closely alongside the company’s regional brand marketing center, consumer research function and China's marketing operations, and allow for the development of more specialized products for the Asian market.
Avon also has a regional research and development facility in Guangzhou, which will continue to focus on nutritional supplements. Outside China, Avon has R&D centers in Argentina, Brazil, China, Mexico, Poland and South Africa.