Polish Harper Hygienics to open cosmetics pads, wet wipes factory in Russia

Feb 08, 2005. /Lesprom Network/. Polish cosmetic cotton pads and wet wipes manufacturer Harper Hygienics, which seeks to expand in eastern European market, will open its pads and wipes factory in Russia, the company's deputy CEO said, - reports Gazeta Wyborcza. The construction of the factory will be launched within a three-month period and has to be completed in January 2006. The factory will be built near The company's move is connected with the plans of large European supermarket networks, including Auchan, Metro and Carrefour, to open several tens of new outlets in Russia in near future. Harper Hygenics tries to overrun its rivals in the Russian market by opening its own factory as it intends to sell the factory's products in those outlets, Wojcik added. Harper Hygienics, based in Minsk Mazowiecki, eastern Poland, sells its products under Cleanic brand. Other Polish leading cosmetic products makers also seek expansion abroad. Laboratorium Kosmetyczne Dr Irena Eris (Dr Irena Eris) boosted its exports by 40% year-on-year and entered five new markets, including the UK, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Ukraine, in 2004. Owned by the family of Dorota and Wojciech Soszynki, Oceanic, producer of creams branded AA, intends to increase its exports to 40% over the next three years, from current 10%. Other Polish cosmetic producers, including Kolastyna, Eveline and Dax Cosmetics, are also reportedly increasing their sales in foreign markets.