LEE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Southern Base of the Research Triangle Region

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, June 12, 2006

COTY TO EXPAND PRODUCTION,
ADD 150 JOBS IN LEE COUNTY

SANFORD -- Coty Inc., the world's largest fragrance company and a global leader in the cosmetics industry, will expand its operations in Lee County.

In an announcement issued June 6 from Coty's corporate headquarters in New York, the company said it will increase its existing manufacturing and distribution facilities on Broadway Road in Sanford.

The move is expected add about 150 jobs to the local workforce and four new state-of-the-art manufacturing lines. Plans also include expanding the company's distribution capacity.

As a result of the business decision, Coty plans to close its other U.S. facility, in Mt. Olive, N.J., and consolidate operations into the expanded Sanford location. Coty officials say they intend to help the 200 employees now working in New Jersey find positions within the company. 

"Increasing our manufacturing and distribution capacity in one location in Sanford, North Carolina, will allow our supply chain organization to support Coty's current and future growth," said Gabriel Ripoll, Coty's senior operations executive in the announcement. "This decision is a testament to Coty's commitment to our retail customers who value flexibility and the ease of working with a single supply source to support our expanding portfolio."

Company officials expect the expansion to be completed by the second or third quarter of next year.

Coty celebrated its 35th year of operation in Sanford this year and has developed from roughly $60 million in annual sales to more than $1 billion last year. The company currently employs about 800 people in its 906,800-square-foot Sanford facility.

Worldwide, the company has annual net sales of $2.9 billion and has developed a product portfolio of more than 35 brands. Among them are Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs, Vera Wang, Jennifer Lopez, Sarah Jessica Parker, Baby Phat, Desperate Housewives, Nautica, Esprit, Celine Dion, mary-kateandashley, Rimmel and Stetson.

The Lee County Economic Development Corp. is a nonprofit organization established to attract industry, enhance job opportunities and promote sound planning across Lee County. Funding is provided by the county, as well as the City of Sanford and Town of Broadway, the two county municipalities.


                                 -- 30 --

Media Contacts:
Bob Heuts, Director
Jane Haber, Administrative Assistant
919-774-8439 (phone)
919-775-5410 (fax)
info@lcedc.com (e-mail)

LCEDC Media Web:  http://www.lcedc.com/media/
This release:     http://www.lcedc.com/media/releases/nr061206.txt