The firm, which began operations in Suffern in 1897, ceased manufacturing operations at the Rockland County site in May of this year.

Site clearing work for the new research and development facility, which will occupy the same 11-acre parcel in downtown Suffern as Avon's manufacturing complex, will begin next week. The new center, which will be the global hub of the company's research and development programs for its cosmetics, fragrance and toiletries products, will be three stories high and total 225,000 sf. The center will be completed in February 2005 and the 280 Avon associates will take occupancy of the building in March 2005. Avon said it plans to bring its employment level at the Suffern complex to 350 workers over the next 10 years. The current Avon manufacturing plant will be demolished once construction is completed on the new R&D center to make room for parking and landscaping at the property.

"Today, we celebrate Avon's continuing commitment to the Village of Suffern, and the beginning of a new chapter in Avon's history as a world-class beauty company," said Andrea Jung, chairman and CEO of Avon Products. "Our new research and development center will help Avon to continue driving innovation and accelerate growth in our global beauty business."

Company officials say the $100 million expenditure is the largest research and development investment in the company's history.

Janice Teal, group vice president and chief scientific officer for Avon, told attendees of the event, "Avon's goal is to build the most prestigious research and development facility in the industry. Our vision is to create an environment that attracts and retains the very best technical and scientific talent and where innovation, creativity and true collaboration are limitless." She added that the R&D Center will house chemistry laboratories, lab support and office space. The design of the complex will also feature conference and meeting space, "break out areas" and a "think tank room" that promotes teamwork and collaboration.

The architect for the new research and development center is HLW International LLP of New York City. The construction manager is Skanska USA Building Inc., of Parsippany, NJ

In May, Avon finalized an agreement with the Rockland Industrial Development Agency that grants the company exemptions on state sales and mortgage taxes and also allows the cosmetics giant to enter into Payment in Lieu of Taxes agreements with Rockland County, the Village of Suffern, Town of Ramapo and the local school district. According to papers filed with the Rockland IDA, Avon will save approximately $3.6 million in state sales taxes due to the exemptions granted by the agency. The New York State Empire State Development Corp. has offered a grant to the company of $650,000 for the new research and development facility in Suffern.