Coty

As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of fragrances, skin care, colour cosmetics and body care products, Coty relies on a stable and capable workforce. General Manager, Mary Brady, says that this is one of the strongest attributes for Coty in Ashford.

Mary Brody, General Manager, said: “The workforce here is a treasure. They have a strong work ethic, and as long as we are clear on the ‘what’ and the ‘why,’ they rise to any challenge.”

Employing approximately 9,000 people globally, this is high praise from a company experienced not only in volume manufacture, but also people management. The site in Ashford currently hosts just over 340 local employees, who work in the areas of production and manufacture of liquid products like mascara, powder products such as eye-shadows and molded products, such as lipsticks.

One of those employees is Dominic Hodge, who came to Coty from a shop floor position at Sainsbury’s’ and joined Coty as an operator on the factory floor 16 months ago. He is now working in the planning team. Dominic typifies the energetic and talented workforce Mary enthusiastically describes, while he eagerly mentions his current role at Coty:

“My job is to ensure we have the correct raw materials to meet the manufacturing schedule. This role is a progression from the factory floor, and there is lots of opportunity for career progression.”

With an eye to his long-term career, Dominic can see the benefits of working with a talented pool of people and from such a strong location.

“Having a pool of local, skilled workers is really important for us at Coty and in my role, working with imported raw materials for manufacture, means that a strong motorway network is essential.”