SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--H2O Plus, a world leader in marine-based skin care, today announced it would be relocating its headquarters from Chicago to San Francisco as it shifts its business focus to the marketing and sales of its award-winning products.
H2O Plus is currently looking at office space of approximately 10,000 square feet in the Financial District of San Francisco, according to Joy Chen, Chief Executive Officer.
The announcement is part of a series of strategic changes as H2O Plus shifts its business model from a manufacturing company to one that focuses on the marketing and sales of H2O Plus products around the world. The implementation of this strategic change requires a restructuring of the organization and job responsibilities throughout the company.
H2O Plus anticipates that about 50 employees will be located at its new headquarters once fully occupied. By relocating to the West Coast, H2O Plus will gain greater access to key business markets in Asia.
“We are incredibly excited to become a part of the San Francisco business community as we refocus our company’s brand and mission,” said Chen. “H2O Plus is poised to write the next chapter in its history as we adapt to the changing beauty and skin-care marketplace.”
As part of its shift in strategy, the company will be closing its Chicago manufacturing plant and headquarters over the next six to 12 months. Some key employees will be offered the opportunity to transfer to San Francisco, while a recruiting effort is underway to fill the remaining roles. Manufacturing of H2O Plus products will gradually be transferred to third-party companies in the United States.
“I am pleased to welcome H20 Plus’ headquarters to San Francisco,” said Todd Rufo, Director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development. “San Francisco’s innovative workforce, thriving economy and strong global connections make it an ideal location for businesses looking to expand into Asia and other international markets.”
The San Francisco headquarters is expected to be fully operational by the fall. The company will continue to have a small presence in the Chicago for the foreseeable future.
“We want to thank all of our employees in Chicago for their dedication in making H2O Plus one of the most recognizable skin care product lines in the world,” Chen said. “After careful analysis it became clear, however, that the current manufacturing structure was not in the long-term financial interests of the company.”
H2O Plus launched in 1989 with 100 skin care products that harnessed the skin-changing power of the sea. Its line of toners, moisturizers, skin treatments and anti-aging creams quickly gained a worldwide following, and today include some of the most important and highly rated hydration products in the world.
“Our customers continue to rave about how our products have restored their skin to beauty and health,” said Chen. “By shifting focus to marketing and sales we believe H2O Plus will be better positioned to meet the extraordinary demand for our skin-care product line well into the future.”
ABOUT H20 PLUS
H20 Plus launched in 1989 with 100 skin-care products that harnessed the skin-changing power of the sea. Today it is one of the most recognized skin-care brands in the world. From hydrating to anti-aging treatments, H2O Plus creates collections for specific skin care concerns to help achieve a healthy, radiant and youthful complexion at any age. By infusing pure water with nutrients from their proprietary combinations of seaweeds and marine plants, the H2O Plus scientists have created potent blends that work naturally with skin's chemistry, hydrating and renewing your skin like never before. More than water, this is H2O Plus.