The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE: EL) announced plans to integrate luxury candle and home fragrance manufacturing capabilities into its UK operations as its Whitman facility in Petersfield, England, marks its 60th anniversary.

The company will assume the lease of one facility from Contract Candles, a long-standing partner, and welcome approximately 50 employees into its organization over time. The integration will add research and development and quality capabilities to Estée Lauder's UK manufacturing network.

Following the integration, the UK will serve as the primary manufacturing base for candles across Estée Lauder's brand portfolio worldwide, including Jo Malone London, TOM FORD and AERIN brands. The Whitman facility currently produces more than 90 million units annually for distribution across the UK, Europe, and other select markets.

"The UK plays a significant role in our global manufacturing network, and this investment in candle and home fragrance manufacturing reflects our continued commitment to British craftsmanship and innovation," said Roberto Canevari, Executive Vice President and Chief Value Chain Officer.

The Whitman facility, established in 1966, produces skin care and fragrance products for brands including Jo Malone London, Estée Lauder, Clinique, and La Mer. Since fiscal 2020, the company has invested $72 million in the facility across automation, quality systems, sustainability initiatives, and advanced manufacturing capabilities.

Jo Malone London holds the position as the number-one luxury home fragrance brand in the UK across home scents and fragrance ancillaries, with six of the UK's top 10 home fragrance franchises belonging to the brand, according to company data.