Kolmar Korea has inaugurated full-scale operations at its second US-based factory in Scott Township, Pennsylvania, signaling a new era for K-beauty manufacturing in America. This state-of-the-art 17,805㎡ (191,651 square feet) facility is positioned to serve as a critical “tariff safe zone,” shielding Korean and global beauty brands from trade shocks and supply chain disruptions in the world’s largest cosmetics market.
A Strategic Expansion for K-Beauty
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Annual Production Power: The new facility brings Kolmar’s total U.S. capacity to 300 million units a year, and combined with Canadian operations, 470 million units across North America—making Kolmar the continent’s largest cosmetics ODM (Original Development Manufacturer).
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Product Range: Full ODM services for color cosmetics, skincare, and suncare are now localized in the U.S., instantly responding to surging demand for K-sunscreens and skincare.
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FDA Certification: The plant’s OTC (Over-the-Counter) license for sunscreen means Kolmar can rapidly supply the U.S. market with compliant K-beauty suncare products.
Yoon Sang Hyun, Vice Chairman of Kolmar Group said: “The US is where Kolmar‘s journey began a century ago. This second factory is not merely a production site but the starting point for a new vision of collaboration and growth. We will build an innovation ecosystem alongside diverse value chain partners to establish the largest cosmetics manufacturing hub in North America.”
Innovation and World-Class Manufacturing
Kolmar has migrated its “MADE BY KOLMAR” advanced manufacturing from Korea’s renowned Sejong plant to Pennsylvania. The plant features:
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AI-powered quality monitoring and process optimization, minimizing defect rates.
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80% automation for streamlined production.
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Replicated logistics and workflow systems from Sejong for high safety and efficiency.
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Dedicated zones for manufacturing, filling, and packaging, designed for both volume and flexibility.
An American Landmark for Korean Beauty
The factory was officially unveiled on July 16, 2025, at a ceremony attended by company leaders, state officials, and partners. Unlike previous Korean brands that entered the U.S. by way of acquisition, this direct investment establishes Kolmar as a foundational player in the American beauty industry.
A Kolmar Korea spokesperson said: “This is the first time a Korean cosmetics company has directly built a production facility in the US rather than acquiring one, making it a landmark achievement. We’re ready to support K-beauty brands looking to enter the US market without tariff concerns, as well as global customers aiming for North American, European, and South American markets. Our collaboration ecosystem is poised for rapid expansion.”
What It Means for the Market
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Tariff Shield: Cosmetic brands sourcing from Kolmar’s U.S. plant avoid tariffs and reduce reliance on complex international supply chains.
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For Global Clients: The facility invites both Korean and international beauty brands to scale efficiently in the Americas.
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Future-Proofing K-Beauty: As demand spikes for K-beauty products, this US-based manufacturing ensures rapid response to market trends and regulatory changes.
Kolmar Korea’s move represents a milestone for the global beauty sector, enabling K-beauty to thrive unimpeded by future trade barriers in the pivotal US market.
