L’Oréal USA announced Wednesday a $12 million-plus expansion of its North Little Rock plant that will create 45 full-time jobs and increase production for all its brands.
The plant currently employs more than 350 people.
“We are thrilled that L’Oréal USA has made this strategic investment in our future here in North Little Rock as we continue our plant’s evolution toward becoming the global Color Cosmetics Center of Excellence within the L’Oréal Group,” Eric Fox, vice president of operations and plant manager for the North Little Rock facility, said in a news release. “We are also grateful to the state of Arkansas for continuously demonstrating its commitment to business partnership and growing manufacturing jobs in our state.”
L’Oréal USA has maintained a nearly 50-year presence in North Little Rock, where it makes cosmetics for the following brands: Maybelline New York, L’Oréal Paris, essie, Lancôme, Urban Decay, IT Cosmetics, NYX Professional Makeup and Dermablend.
The North Little Rock facility is the largest color cosmetics factory worldwide in the L’Oréal Group, producing 250 million-plus units of mascara, eye shadow, face powder, lip gloss and nail color every year that is then sold in retail locations throughout the U.S. and abroad. The plant also has a solar array for renewable energy.
“I have visited with L’Oréal leadership on my economic trips to Europe, and I know that they are committed to investing in North Little Rock and our state,” Gov. Asa Hutchinson said in the release. “L’Oréal has a long history of doing business in Arkansas and they know that our workforce and business climate are second to none.”
State Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston added, “This expansion will not only impact the company’s bottom line, but it will bring more jobs that will improve the quality of life for 45 more families.”
According to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, the company has qualified for ArkPlus, a state income tax credit program that provides tax credits of 10% of the total investment in an expansion project.
North Little Rock Mayor Terry Hartwick said he was “proud of the long-term partnership with L’Oreal and the continued, friendly spirit we provide to all businesses in our community. L’Oreal continues to play a progressive role in developing our workforce and community.”
