Success Story: In-Line Process Control Cuts Process Time by 40% at Mibelle Cosmetics

Cost pressure and more demanding regulations drive cosmetics producers
To meet consumers' growing awareness for well-being and desire for "pH neutral" products, as well as comply with more stringent regulations, cosmetic producers strive for production process requirements more similar to those adopted by the pharmaceutical industry. Top players not only face intensified competition but also manufacturing cost pressure and tougher regulatory requirements. Contract manufacturers assigned by well known cosmetic players are accordingly influenced by the same trends. This article illustrates how a cosmetic producer took proactive action to meet these challenges.

Mibelle AG Cosmetics, Buchs, Switzerland
Mibelle does not only manufacture private label products for its parent company Migros, Switzerland's largest retailer with sales equivalent to around 17 billion US$ (2004), but also for international retail chains like Body Shop. Mibelle specializes in "non-decorative cosmetics" such as hair, skin, sun and personal care products. Sales accounted for about 170 million US$ in 2004, with 50 % of the production exported. Mibelle is a dynamic growing company employing over 400 people, a figure that has doubled over the last five years. To face increasing customer demand, a plant extension is under construction in Buchs…..

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