Premium Beauty News - Once again a two digit growth?

Andy Gatesy - And there’s nothing to complain about! In 2015, we showed strong growth (+22%) to achieve a group sales figure of EUR 66.6 million. During this year, there was strong investment in manufacturing with a brand-new factory in Korea, a fully integrated lacquering and metalizing line in China as well as increased capacity in metalizing and the introduction of new automated lines in Malta. 2016 is also exhibiting a hive of activity with a record number of custom developments across the Group.

Along with the re-shoring of production from Asia to Europe, Toly’s Maltese plant is investing over 4 million in additional capacity. Eight brand new moulding machines have recently been purchased including 2 x 400T machines to cater for larger cavitation tools and larger palettes, all with integrated robots and downstream automation.

Premium Beauty News - Among significant product developments, these past months, there is in particular the development and marketing of a line of “Cushion” compacts!

Andy Gatesy - That’s right! A fully automated cushion compact line has also been installed to cater for the strong demand in lower cost cushion compacts. We have already gained significant market shares in this area in Europe with clients such as Lancôme and Sephora and other - very good - surprises are to come!

Premium Beauty News - Your have also strengthened your teams?

Andy Gatesy - With this strong investment in manufacturing, we have focussed upon strengthening their commercial team around the world. Hence in the U.S., John Kurek has recently been appointed as Senior VP. Sales for the East Coast. John has worked in the beauty industry for many years as an Engineer, Head of Innovation, VP Sales and more recently, in an Operational role. Alongside John are Jael Dalessandro and Renaud Baker, both industry professionals with many years of experience. John is supported by Frank De Vleeschouwer - Chief Commercial Officer USA/Asia, who has recently opened a West Coast office in Los Angeles to support Toly’s growing list of customers in this region.

In France, Gabriel Tézenas du Montcel has also recently joined Toly as General Manager of our French office based in Paris. Gabriel has extensive industry experience having worked as a Key Account Manager with Albéa for the last 10 years. Alongside Gabriel are Sophie Vatin and Aude Vermeulen, both ex Aptar Group.

In the U.K., Steven Rolfe has recently joined as Key Account Manager to work alongside James Senior, UK General Manager. Steve has a strong packaging background working for both brands as well as suppliers during his career.

In Belgium, Tom Grainger - Chief Commercial Officer Europe, has stepped in as Acting General Manager as we restructure the sales office with the front line support of Koen Van Den Eede and Celine Segalen.

In Asia, Phoenix Lee has joined our team in Hong Kong to focus upon building a stronger customer base in Asia, taking advantage of the many products within the Toly Group.

And finally in Malta, Sorgun Kaya has joined our team with a base in Istanbul to lead the Turkish market. He reports to Amanda Xuereb, General Manager of our Malta Sales team. Also part of this team are Giulia Chinello leading sales in Italy and Baiba Ozolina leading sales in Greece, Israel and the Middle East.

Premium Beauty News - You are now targeting the 100 million mark?

Andy Gatesy - It is clear that our next milestone is to have a 100 million business! We have built the foundations, both in terms of industrial equipment and human capital, to achieve this with internal growth supported by our strategic partners. Our new corporate offices and integrated innovation centre are proving to be a hit with our multinational customer base and we are excited about the opportunities to come.