Official: Vandalism, theft responsible for cosmetics plant delay

The newest target date for a national cosmetics production company to be up and running is within the next two months, according to company officials.

CNJ staff photo: Benna Sayyed

Beauty Health and Science Innovations officials hoped to open its Clovis

plant in April but vandalism and theft have delayed opening, according

to Drew Martin, director of operations for BHSI.

Beauty Health and Science Innovations officials hoped to open its Clovis plant in April but vandalism and theft have delayed opening, according to Drew Martin, director of operations for BHSI.

The company will manufacture generic store brand products such as liquid cosmetics for skin care, color cosmetics and makeup, topical prescription drugs and over-the-counter drugs.

BHSI was not aware of the building's condition when the project started, according to Martin, who said the building was stripped of all copper wire, an essential part of electric work.

"Any time you're starting a business there are always little unknowns and I think that is what has delayed their progress," said Chase Gentry, executive director of Clovis Industrial Development Corp.

Martin said the BHSI Clovis plant is expected to be fully operational within 30 to 60 days.

Martin said the first stage in the renovation of the former Froz Fruit plant just south of the city's industrial park at Curry Road K and Kimberly Lane is nearly complete.

According to Martin, the next step is getting the building code compliant. Martin said this goal is almost complete.

"Beauty Health and Science Innovations continues to be enthused about its partnership with the city of Clovis," said Martin, "in developing this project, which will ultimately benefit the entire community of Clovis with the jobs it will create."

Martin said BHSI was recently approved for Job Training Incentive Program funding by the state, which will allow BHSI to start hiring and provide on-the-job training to employees.

"If everything goes as planned, BHSI could hire up to 150 employees within a year and hopefully more after that," Martin said, "depending on several factors, including sales."

President Brian Sperber has previously said he has a goal of 350 employees. The company receives $2 million in loan forgiveness from city economic development funds for meeting certain criteria, and an additional $1 million should it employ 300 people for a 12-month period during the first three years.

"Beauty Health and Science Innovations remains committed to the project development agreement with the city of Clovis, which includes loan commitments to BHSI," Martin said.

Gentry said BHSI will diversify and contribute much to the city's economic base.