Lines can be adapted with a high degree of precision and flexibility.
“ Our model is very much human + machine, where technology removes friction from processes and allows teams to focus on quality, problemsolving and continuous improvement,” adds Alexander.
Alongside investments in automation, the Whitman facility offers apprenticeships and STEM outreach programmes with local universities, empowering the future workforce and driving intrigue in manufacturing roles.
Since 2020, more than US $ 72m has been distributed across automation, advanced manufacturing and sustainability at the Whitman site, ensuring both responsibility and resilience across operations.
Products and packaging At a luxury brand like Estée Lauder, packaging works alongside the product. Across the company, packaging is becoming more innovative and more sustainable, with the manufacturing process mirroring this evolution.
“ Packaging is not treated as a final step, but as part of an end-to-end system designed for quality, precision and flexibility,” Ben continues.“ This allows the site to operate at scale while maintaining the high standards expected in prestige beauty, and to adapt quickly to the needs of different brands, formats and markets.”
82 September 2026