Unilever to develop PH manufacturing line

FILE PHOTO: The logo of Unilever is seen at the headquarters in Rotterdam, Netherlands August 21, 2018. REUTERS/Piroschka van de Wouw

The Philippine unit of consumer goods giant Unilever on Wednesday said it is further developing its local manufacturing capabilities and supply chain strategies, signaling its commitment to its local market.

In a statement, Unilever Philippines said that over 90 percent of its products sold in the market are locally manufactured.

“These locally made products are even exported to Unilever’s markets in the US, Southeast Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Middle East, spotlighting the company’s trust in the Philippines as a global manufacturer of its well-known offerings,” the company said.

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It said these products are produced at their factories in Pasig City, General Trias, Cavite, and a collaborative facility in Cabuyao, Laguna.

Unilever Philippines chairman and chief executive officer said that their supply chain is the operational backbone of the company.

“We live in a world where consumers increasingly want faster, customized, and personalized products. With brands like Rexona, Sunsilk, Selecta, Breeze, and Knorr under our belts, we must always have a reliable stock of high-quality products and a supply chain that will deliver superior products and services at an excellent value,” he said.

The company said that their newest beauty and wellbeing and personal care (BWPC) factory has increased efficiency and reduced machinery by approximately 40 percent.

The firm added that its food factory has also recently signed a 15-year power Purchase agreement with a global company to supply solar-powered electricity for factory operations.

Unilever’s facilities are also built in strategic locations to minimize fuel usage and reduce carbon footprint.

Earlier in February, Ong said that the company’s revenues this year are projected to grow more than the Philippines gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023, which grew by 5.6 percent.

“What we intend to do is to invest heavily in our core brands. That is the first thing that we plan to do,” he said, mentioning specific brands, such as Sunsilk, Creamsilk, and Knorr, to drive growth.