Empire State Development (ESD) recently announced that Intercos America, Inc., one of the leading worldwide operators in the creation, development and production of makeup for the international cosmetic industry, will expand its manufacturing facilities in Rockland County. ESD provided a $500,000 grant to be used to assist Intercos with their expansion project. The expansion project will include the purchase of new machinery to increase operations, the renovation of the existing factory, the hiring of 45 new employees and the retention of 176 full time jobs in New York State.
“We knew that in order to remain competitive in the cosmetics manufacturing industry, Intercos needed to expand their manufacturing capabilities,” said ESD Chairman & CEO Dennis M. Mullen. “This project will provide a tremendous opportunity for them to continue to grow. With Intercos reinvesting in New York State, we are ensuring the retention and creation of more than two hundred jobs for New Yorkers. Intercos also provides hundreds of temporary jobs during seasonal peak periods, making them a major Hudson Valley employer. I have no doubt that the company will continue to contribute to the economic strength of its Rockland County community. I’d like to thank all of our partners for their support for this project.”
This Italian-owned company first established its footprint in the United States in 2000 with the opening of Intercos America, Inc. in Congers, Rockland County, NY, and shortly thereafter in 2001 began the contract manufacturing of color cosmetics. Founded in 1972 by Dario Ferrari, the company is based in Agrate Brianza, Italy with commercial offices in the United States, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, and China.
“We greatly appreciate all of the efforts of Empire State Development as well as the ongoing support we have received from Rockland Economic Development Corporation, the IDA, local government and the Rockland County community during our tenure in the County,” said Intercos Group Chairman of the Board Dario Ferrari. “As a result of this support, we will be able to move forward with our emulsion expansion project and continue to be a key employer in the region as well as increase our competitiveness in the cosmetics manufacturing industry. This project will not only aid in permitting us to offer a new product category from the Intercos America facility to our US clients, but it will also be the launching pad to new technologies for many years to come, thus allowing us to continue our growth and to remain as an integral part of the Rockland County community.”
“This is the type of investment in manufacturing that Rockland County and the State needs to jumpstart the economy,” said Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski. “The Empire State Development grant is putting people back to work and giving Intercos an expansive opportunity to improve their manufacturing efficiencies. I will continue to advocate for incentives for companies that create jobs and expand their operations here in Rockland.”
“We’re grateful to Mr. Ferrari and Intercos for not only choosing to do business in New York,” said Rockland Economic Development Corporation President & CEO Ronald Hicks. “But for expanding his operations in Rockland County.”
“The Mid-Hudson Region is home to a thriving cluster of cosmetic manufacturing companies because of our proximity to the major markets New York City and our qualified work force,” said Mid-Hudson Regional Director Susan Jaffe. “We are pleased that Intercos has decided to site its expansion here in the region. Not only do we stand to gain 45 new jobs and retain 176 full time jobs; but we also gain over 250 contract positions throughout the Intercos’ peak season.”
“We are grateful to Empire State Development for this funding that will bring more jobs to our area and assist with other improvements to the Intercos manufacturing facility,” said Rockland County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef. “Rockland County continues to be a desirable place for businesses because of its prime location in the Hudson Valley region and its proximity to New York City and the tri-state area.”
The company’s products include lipsticks, eye shadows, mascaras, foundations, powders, and eye and lip liners. The company also offers colored emulsions and cosmetics pencils. It has production facilities in Italy, the United States, Malaysia, and China.
Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency, committed to being recognized on a global scale as the economic development engine driving job growth, strategic investment and prosperity in New York State. ESD is intent on paving the way for New York State to become the leader of the innovation economy and one of the most business-friendly, productive and competitive economic development climates in the world. ESD also oversees the marketing of "I LOVE NY," the State's iconic tourism brand. For more information, visit www.esd.ny.gov.