Cofatech: now targeting make-up

Jean-Yves Bourgeois

1 July 2011

80 people, 400 million uni-doses produced each year, a pool of about 40 machines for processing and filling the flexible films used for the manufacture of single-doses, 10 million euros in turnover expected this year, Cofatech is only a short step away from celebrating its twentieth anniversary. A growth that remains a model of its kind.

For this SME specialized in uni-dose samples, which was created by Dominique Lourel, its current CEO, one of the main strategic keys remains constant adaptation to market needs and customers. "With a strong focus on product innovation and a true complicity with the market and our customers," she quickly adds.

Innovation, is a watchword in Loudun (western France), where are established Cofatech’s headquarters and main production centre. Latest innovations launched in recent months include the "Walipack" for the Clarins Fragrance Group, which was the sample selected for the launch of Aura by Swarovski (two samples in one), or the eco refill for Flower by Kenzo, inspired from the Lingobig (the berlingot with a cap), not to mention the now famous concept of the dose in the form of a berlingot who received an "Oscar de l’emballage" in 2001 and we all know the success it encountered.

"This is clearly our second nature", explains Lourel. "Innovation is an integral part of our vision of the market. It is often the result of an ongoing and desired dialogue with our customers. And also I insist on the fact that it is a true mindset which is inherent to every employee of Cofatech. As a matter of fact, all this gone through road and the growth achieved by the company would not have been possible without their support."

400,000 euros invested in 2010!

The core markets of the Cofatech firm include skincare products followed by hair products and, more recently, alcohol products, especially perfumes for which a new dedicated workshop was created in 2010. An operation that was part of a broader reorganization and rationalization of production whose overall cost will have exceeded 400,000 euros.

"As for make-up, emphasises Lourel, our presence at the MakeUp in Paris show reflects perfectly our desire to invest more thoroughly this segment, in which we were of course already operating but still relatively discreetly. Especially since this market is increasingly moving towards the notion of full-service, and that we are clearly among the best placed in France to provide such a service."

An active member of the CEW

Dominique Lourel is also an active member of the CEW France, the Cosmetic Executive Women association, of which she is the Secretary General since 1995.

The CEW comprises women with responsibilities in beauty related businesses. They currently fund Beauty Centres in 18 hospitals in Paris and its region, and six hospitals in the province (Marseille, Perpignan, Montpellier, Toulon, Grasse and Annecy), in which operate 24 beauticians who are trained and supervised by members of the association.

It is in 1992 that the first Beauty Centre in an hospital environment, at the Institut Gustave Roussy, was created. Currently, the association provides beauty treatments in twenty four hospitals in France, thanks to the help and presence of 25 beauticians. During the last five years, this equals to approximately 120,000 treatments given to 70,000 patients.