The Estée Lauder Companies Strengthens its UK Manufacturing Network as the Whitman Facility Celebrates 60 Years of British Craftsmanship

The Estée Lauder Companies' (NYSE: EL) Whitman manufacturing facility is celebrating its 60th anniversary, and the company today announced a strategic investment that will strengthen its UK manufacturing network, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to British craftsmanship, innovation, and growth in prestige fragrance.

Whitman, founded in 1966, is a key component of The Estée Lauder Companies' global manufacturing network, creating skin care and fragrance products for brands such as Jo Malone London, Estée Lauder, Clinique, and La Mer. Today, the plant manufactures over 90 million items each year for distribution in the United Kingdom, Europe, and other select countries around the world.

"For sixty years, Whitman has reflected the craftsmanship, quality, and innovation that have defined The Estée Lauder Companies since my grandparents founded the business," said William P. Lauder, Chair of The Estée Lauder Companies' Board of Directors. "When my family established our manufacturing footprint here in 1966, we recognised the remarkable depth of British artisanal skill, and we are proud to continue investing in that legacy today."

As The Estée Lauder Companies continues to invest in Whitman's future, it will incorporate select luxury candle and home fragrance capabilities from Contract Candles, a long-time partner and manufacturer of luxury candles and smell diffusers, into its UK manufacturing operations. This includes taking over the lease of one of Contract Candles' two UK locations, bringing on about 50 new people over time, and expanding research and development and quality capabilities.

Following the integration, the UK will become the major manufacturing site for candles throughout The Estée Lauder Companies' global prestige brand portfolio, which includes the Jo Malone London, TOM FORD, and AERIN brands. The investment improves operational control and long-term stability in a strategically important category, while also cementing the UK's position as a center of excellence for scent handcraft and manufacture.

During Whitman's 60th anniversary celebration, Roberto Canevari, Executive Vice President, Chief Value Chain Officer, The Estée Lauder Companies, stated: "The UK plays an important role in our global manufacturing network, and this investment in candle and home fragrance manufacturing reflects our continued commitment to British craftsmanship and innovation. Bringing these activities closer to our manufacturing network will boost resilience and help our capacity to continue delivering the great quality and craftsmanship that define our brands."

Home fragrance remains a growth opportunity for The Estée Lauder Companies' fragrance brands, driven by rising customer demand in premium smell experiences and upgraded home surroundings. This is especially true for Jo Malone London, a typical British brand and the number one luxury home fragrance brand in the UK for home smells and fragrance ancillaries. Jo Malone London also owns six of the UK's top ten home fragrance franchises*. The brand's distinctive candles are meticulously created in the United Kingdom, demonstrating a strong dedication to British craftsmanship and artisanal ability.

The combination of these activities strengthens The Estée Lauder Companies' manufacturing ecosystem and demonstrates the company's commitment to resilient, high-quality UK manufacturing as part of its worldwide manufacturing network.

Since fiscal 2020, The Estée Lauder Companies has invested $72 million in its Whitman facility for automation, quality systems, sustainability efforts, and innovative manufacturing capabilities, as well as apprenticeship and STEM outreach programs in collaboration with local colleges.

Source: The Estée Lauder Companies'