After having acquired in September 2017, the German Company Rusi, which specializes in the production of mascaras, the HCP Packaging Group is continuing to strengthen the production capabilities of the factory located in Bechhofen, about 60 km northeast of Nuremberg.

With the acquisition of Rusi, in the wake of the previous acquisition (2016) of Paris-based SIMP—an innovative manufacturer of high-precision micro-injected mascara brushes—combined with HCP’s strong mascara expertise in North America and China, the Group can offer very compelling full-pack mascara solutions fully made in Europe, but not only.

Overview with Eric Firmin, President of HCP France.

Jean-Yves Bourgeois: It’s a year and a half since your Group acquired the German company Rusi. And your ambitions are still high.

Eric Firmin: You remember that four months after this acquisition we had officially launched the extension program for Rusi’s production site. This program was part of a multi-year multi-phase expansion investment. The program consisted of the addition of two new production halls on the existing site, of new equipment dedicated to injection molding and to the decoration of cosmetic containers in order to increase the existing annual manufacturing capacity by more than 60% with buildings designed to incorporate the latest German energy efficiency technologies. Today we are almost done. Some key figures: These new buildings extend over 2,300 m² and the production capacity has been increased by more than 21 million pieces per year.

Jean-Yves Bourgeois: What you had in mind was obviously to not limit yourself to the manufacture of mascaras…

Eric Firmin: From the start, our strategy was clear: This investment demonstrated the long-term commitment of HCP to make Rusi Germany the hub of its European manufacturing platform, bringing additional employment opportunities to the region. This strategic investment was a new step in better supporting the needs of our European customers.

As you already know, HCP designs, develops and manufactures primary packaging for the color cosmetic, skincare and perfume industries. The company’s product portfolio includes standard and customized compacts, kits, lipsticks, mascara, eyeliner, lip gloss, jars, tottles, bottles, closures and other cosmetic items. The aim of the Group was to offer its regional customers complete solutions made in Europe.

I would also like to point out that, while Rusi boasts a decades-long expertise in the production of mascara containers including mascara brushes, lipgloss and eye liner, the product range also extends to lipsticks, powder puffs, foam applicators, application systems for cosmetic pencils and eyebrow brush combs.

Jean-Yves Bourgeois: Is the setting up of the Bechhofen site almost complete?

Eric Firmin: In fact, we have adopted a continuous improvement process to bring as many services as possible and maximum efficiency to our customers. Among the important points, a hall was entirely dedicated to the finishing phases (hot stamping and screen printing), we also invested in the automation of the fiber brush/cap assembly. We are increasing the production capacity in mascaras but also in glosses and eyeliners. We are leveraging Rusi’s historical expertise in lipstick manufacturing to also invest in this field. And we are also planning to invest in surface treatment.