French retailer Chanel plans to build a manufacturing facility in Austin, according to county deed records and documents filed with the city.
The company – known for its pricey perfumes, handbags, jewelry, fashion wear, makeup and skincare — has purchased 50 acres east of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport through a real estate holding company it controls, deed records show.
A deed dated May 21 shows an entity called Tmine Inc. acquired the land in the Del Valle area from its previous owner, SH 71-130 Holdings LP, for an undisclosed price. Tmine Inc. is connected to Chanel on a number of documents, as the entity shares the same New York address as Chanel’s U.S. headquarters, and Chanel executive Louis Erickson is named on the deed. Erickson, a Chanel vice president, did not respond to calls and emails seeking comment.
The proposed project for the site would consist of a “manufacturing warehouse with associated site improvements (utilities, parking, detention and water quality ponds)” on just over 50 acres on FM 973 near Texas 71 and the Texas 130 toll road, according to an application filed with the city of Austin. The application doesn’t say what would be manufactured at the facility, but sources familiar with the project said it will be Chanel skincare products.
City documents don’t detail when work on the project might begin or how many workers the facility could employ.
City staff members have conducted an initial review of the application and are awaiting an updated site plan that addresses staff comments, said Sylvia Arzola, a city spokeswoman.
Kate Babb Shone, a Chanel spokeswoman, said by email that the company “regrets that we are not able to connect you with an executive for comment.”
Read the full story on the Austin American-Statesman, here.