A cosmetics factory is set to expand to make the Ashford branch a central point of its national operations.

Coty Manufacturing UK has lodged a planning application with Ashford Borough Council to expand the site in the Eureka Science Park, in Kennington.

The proposals include extending the current warehouse, which would be more than 16 metres tall and installing new access roads.

Coty is a colour cosmetic factor that produces lipsticks, foundations, mascaras, lip glosses, eye and face powders for Rimmel, Miss Sporty, NYC, Astor and Manhattan.

The manufacturing process is highly automated with advanced technology – such as Adept Cobra S600 robots - that assemble the products.

Mark Springer, Coty engineering director, said: “We have announced proposed changes to our international manufacturing network.

“These are the result of a detailed study of our expanded global manufacturing capacities and capabilities for each of our divisions following the merger with P and G Speciality Beauty brands and with the objective to enable our future growth.”

Part of the company’s consolidation plans include closing the Seaton Delaval plant in Northumberland, by the end of 2018, affecting around 400 jobs.

Commenting on the Northumberland closure announcement, Kay Plumley, site leader at Seaton Delaval said: “I am committed to fully supporting all our colleagues in Seaton through the coming months.

“Our priority is to work closely with them and their families throughout the consultation and to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and with respect.”

But the company also announced plans to expand the Ashford site to become a “core centre.”

The Kennington site employes more than 340 people who work in production and manufacturing liquid products like mascara, powder products such as eye-shadows and moulded products, such as lipsticks.

To view the plans visit planning.ashford.gov.uk and search application 16/01851/AS.