HCT: Industrial expertise on three continents
From the very first days of its creation in 1992, HCT has been committed to mastering all phases of industrial production. HCT is not just another supplier of packaging and complete solutions for the beauty industry. In most cases, HCT innovates, designs and, above all, produces not only in China, but also in the USA and, increasingly, in Europe. In addition to its own production potential, HCT also oversees all the production phases of its 200 or so industrial partners on three continents. An update from Moshin Asaria.
When was HCT’s first industrial partnership?
Moshin Asaria : The first industrial partnership dates back to 2006. The plant in Dongguan Province, China, will become in 2019, HCT’s first 100% owned property. The site currently employs some 1,000 people and operates more than a hundred injection molding machines. It currently supplies 40% of HCT’s industrial needs.
The second plant, also now fully owned by the Group, is HCT Métal, which employs 250 people. It has become HCT’s spearhead for the production of applicators. Zamac is the main "flagship" material, with 80% used in the manufacture of these products. The plant has its own galvanizing workshop. It also manufactures cases, lipsticks, perfume collars and caps, applicators and face care accessories. Several successful trials have been carried out using stainless steel among other technologies.
The third plant, Tutti Trucchi Cosmetici, in Crema, Italy, near Milan, is also 100% owned by the Group. It was acquired in 2016 and employs over a hundred people. Main activities, Full Service and Assembly.
In 2020, TTC added an in-house division entirely dedicated to powders. Alongside a brand-new state-of-the-art R&D laboratory, the new product development, sales and marketing teams are all focused on formulating, creating and producing make-up powders. TTC brings innovative new concepts to the industry. The group’s mission has been to spend considerable time and energy creating a product portfolio that emphasizes quality and innovation. This has resulted in the creation of a library of over 2,200 textures in just two years.
Of note is the commissioning, this year, of a brand-new filling line, featuring "Supernova" technology. 70% of packaging production is still done in China. This compares with 90% three years ago. Besides, the Group also manufactures in Korea and the United States.
What are your objectives for the next three years?
Moshin Asaria : In three years, China’s contribution will drop to around 60%. Europe’s share will be 30%. The remaining 10% will be divided between Korea and the rest of the world. We are emulating in Europe what we did in China, i.e. having not only our own production tools (this will soon be the case in Italy for plastic injection molding) but also a network of robust suppliers whom we control perfectly and help to develop. The aim is to offer the same flexibility we have in China, all at competitive prices.
