Remarks at the Groundbreaking for Hollister Inc.
Kaunas Free Economic Zone, Kaunas
Thursday, November 8, 2017
Mr. Maliekel, Mr. Humphries, Chancellor Dargužaite, Mayor Matijošaitis, Mayor Makūnas, Mantas, Jurgita, ladies and gentlemen, it is indeed a pleasure for me to be here with you today.
I’m honored to be celebrating the groundbreaking ceremony of Hollister Incorporated in Lithuania – and the arrival of another U.S. company to Lithuania. Hollister’s arrival demonstrates the strong and growing ties between our countries’ economies. Known worldwide for its advanced medical products sold in 80 countries, Hollister will serve the European market with this manufacturing facility in Kaunas, creating 300 new jobs. Everyone here understands the significance of 300 well-paying manufacturing jobs — the ripple effects will be a great benefit to Kaunas.
Hollister’s investment in Lithuania is more than just the creation of jobs, however. U.S. companies like Hollister bring with them practices and innovation know-how that goes far beyond the economic “bottom line.” You represent the best of what America has to offer.
— U.S. companies like Hollister are spreading good workplace practices to every corner of the globe. In Hollister’s case, it is an employee-owned company, which will bring great benefits to everyone who comes to work here.
— This goes well beyond meeting regulatory standards, providing a safe working environment and job training, and paying fair wages. Like Mr. Maliekel said, the four principles which guide Hollister’s workplace, and include dignity and stewardship, are characteristics that create a culture of success. For Hollister, this also means bringing products that improve the quality of life for the patients that use them.
As the American Ambassador, I am happy to see another win-win — an investment here that will help an American company gain access to a new market for its products that will benefit many patients throughout Europe. At the same time, it helps our own economy, as Hollister’s investment here is creating new jobs that will benefit the entire company.
Much of my time in Lithuania is devoted to promoting strong commercial relations between the U.S. and Lithuania. I am always happy when a new business that represents these positive American values comes to Lithuania. My congratulations to Invest Lithuania, Mayor Matijošaitis, and Mayor Makūnas, for all you do to support investment.
I hope that we will continue to see growth of these kinds of businesses in our countries, which will benefit business, workers and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic, and continue to build on the ties that have bound our two countries in friendship and common values for generations.
