Page 46 - 2019 Westchester Economic Development Guide

CONSUMER PRODUCTS Getting Personal
Creating disruptive brands and addressing unmet needs has helped White Plains-based Combe produce household name products for decades.
A New Vision
E stablished in 1949, Combe is a personal care consumer products company founded on the idea of making prod- ucts that addressed the unmet needs of consumers in categories that ei- ther didn’t yet exist, or that the big companies simply ignored. Since then, Combe has created and culti- vated “over-achieving and disruptive brands,” such as Clearasil, Odor-Eat-
ers, Just For Men and Vagisil.
Here, Anthony M. Santini, Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary for Combe Incorporated, explains how a Westchester address has been integral to the company’s success.
Talk about Combe’s history
in Westchester.
Combe has been headquartered in Westchester County for over 65 years. We were one of the first oc- cupants in the Platinum Mile develop- ment along the I-287 corridor, where we still reside today. From our early beginnings as the innovator of Cleara- sil skin care products to our current line of Just For Men hair color and Vagisil intimate health products, we have enjoyed a very successful tenure in Westchester.
What makes Westchester a
unique venue from a consumer products perspective?
Westchester has a wonderful diversity of people, places and practices which
Combe offers a range of personal care products for both men and women, to satisfy unmet needs in the marketplace.
makes it very easy to evaluate the demographic acceptance of our con- sumer product innovations. Product preference can be easily tested among different age groups, ethnic groups, genders, income levels and education levels, etc. right in our backyard, which in turn allows the company to develop a product with the greatest appeal.
What are the benefits of engaging in business here?
Westchester has always been very business-friendly. The County lead- ers understand that successful com- panies help to develop a strong lo- cal economy which helps to create the best employment opportunities
for Westchester residents. The Busi- ness Council of Westchester is a great partner in helping to make valuable business connections.
What do you envision for Combe
in 2019?
More corporate growth and con- tinued contribution to the County’s well-being.
Any advice for a similar
company looking to set up shop
in the county?
Start with a conversation with the Business Council of Westchester and the County’s Office of Economic Development.
“Westchester has a wonderful diversity of people, places and practices which makes it very easy to evaluate the demographic acceptance of our consumer product innovations.”
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WESTCHESTER COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GUIDE