Korean Beauty Giant Kolmar Opens Second U.S. Factory to Beat Tariffs!

Kolmar Korea, South Korea’s leading cosmetics contract manufacturer, announced Thursday the completion of its second U.S. factory, bolstering its tariff-free production base for clients seeking to avoid American import duties.

Located in Scott Township, Pennsylvania, the new 17,805-square-meter facility enables comprehensive original design manufacturing in the U.S., including color cosmetics, skincare, and sunscreen products. This expansion marks a significant upgrade from the company’s first U.S. plant, which focused solely on color cosmetics.

As the pioneer Korean beauty company to establish a full-scale manufacturing facility in the U.S., Kolmar emphasized that the new plant will address tariff concerns through localized production, allowing for more agile responses to global client needs.

The company has also secured over-the-counter certification from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for sunscreen production, a crucial step given their classification as over-the-counter drugs.

\”Kolmar’s journey in the U.S. began a century ago,\” remarked Kolmar Group Vice Chair Yoon Sang-hyun at the plant’s inauguration, which was attended by state officials including Pennsylvania State Rep. Bridget Kosierowski.

\”This second U.S. facility serves as a springboard for our new vision. We aim to cultivate an innovation-driven ecosystem with our value chain partners and evolve into North America’s premier cosmetics manufacturing hub,\” Yoon added.

The new facility is projected to produce up to 120 million product units annually, boosting total U.S. output to 300 million units when combined with the first plant.

Including its Canadian subsidiary, Kolmar’s total North American production capacity will reach 470 million units per year, solidifying its position as the region’s largest beauty original design manufacturer.

For the new plant, Kolmar has replicated the cutting-edge manufacturing systems from its Sejong facility, incorporating key infrastructure for manufacturing, filling, and packaging.

The production lines feature artificial intelligence-powered quality monitoring and optimization systems designed to minimize defects, according to the company.

\”By mitigating tariff burdens and swiftly adapting to the diverse needs of clients expanding into North America, Europe, and Latin America, we aim to deepen our global partnerships and broaden our international footprint,\” a company spokesperson stated.