VVF buys Colgate's Kansas unit

VVF Limited, one of India's biggest producer of oleochemicals and personal care products, will be buying Colgate Palmolive's soap manufacturing unit in Kansas, US. "We will make this facility our North American headquarters," said Kurussh Amrolia, president-US operations, VVF. The company declined to disclose further details about the deal citing a non-disclosure agreement with Colgate.

The unit, which will be closing shortly will be reopened during the first quarter next year with a startup work force to produce private-label soap for hotels and personal care products for other clients.

VVF said the company would be looking at increasing both the work force and customer base after reopening.

Piyush Jindal, senior vice-president-personal care, VVF, India said, "This development is a significant step towards expanding our global footprint. During 2006, a significant expansion of capacities has happened at Dubai plants, followed by the setting up of a Singapore office. With this, we have enhanced our capabilities to address needs of customers in the vast market of the American continent."