VVF Ltd acquires Henkel’s soap manufacturing plant in Poland

Mumbai: Privately owned producer of oleochemicals and leading contract manufacturer of toiletries and cosmetics for some of the world's most popular brands, VVF Limited, has announced the acquisition of a soap manufacturing plant in Poland, for an undisclosed sum.

This is the Mumbai-based company's first facility in Europe. VVF said that the acquisition gives it the capability to manufacture products within the European Union, which will enhance the company's plan to expand its reach and strengthen its current position.

Henkel, opted to divest its Polish plant in keping with its plans to outsource its toilet soaps manufacturing  and instead focus on its core businesses of adhesives, detergents and chemicals. In addition to catering to Henkel's requirements, VVF will also manufacture on a contract basis for other European soap makers from this unit and has  accordingly planned on expanding its of soap production capacity from the exisiting 50,000 tonne per annum.

Commenting on this acquisition, a VVF spokesperson said, ''This development is a significant step towards expanding our global footprint. With the acquisition of this plant in Poland, we hope to achieve a good market share within the European Union and live up to our vision of being a provider of quality products and delivering superior value to our customers across the globe.''

In additiopn to its contract manufacturing operations, VVF's own range of branded soaps within the Indian market include Doy Kids, Doy Care Aloe Vera, Doy Care Crème and Jo. company with fully integrated operations, providing world-class products.

In addition to its new Eeuropean operations, VVF has a vertically integrated subsidiary in Canada, VVF North America Inc. located at Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, a plant in Kansas, which it acquired from colgate in Novemebr 2006 and oleochemicals operation in North America, VVF LLC, with offices in New Jersey and Houstan.

It also has a Middle East operation in Dubai, located Jabel Ali free trade zone, strategically located to cater to the Middle East, Europe, CIS and Africa.