Unilever has opened a new factory in the Philippines.
The €80m investment aims to increase production levels for the FMCG giant’s Beauty & Wellbeing and Personal Care businesses by 15%.
This includes hair care products from Sunsilk and Creamsilk, as well as deodorant lines from Rexona and Dove.
Unilever said the factory, which is located in the province of Cavite, will also increase local jobs and serve demand in the region.
“Our investment in the new factory is anchored in our purpose to meet the needs of consumers and our customers,” said Unilever Philippines Chairman and CEO Benjie Yap.
“Emerging markets contribute 59% to Unilever’s global turnover and the Philippines remains an important market and growth driver for the company."
The new space forms part of a growing countryside industrial development in the Philippines, while also bringing it closer to key suppliers and Unilever's own distribution centre.
It stands as one of Unilever’s largest production facilities across its global operating network, and features state-of-the-art machinery.
These include automated mixers, high-speed Shubham end-of-line packaging solutions and bottle and capping machines.
An upgraded in-factory wastewater treatment facility also manages water use and the building utilises geothermal and solar power.
Unilever said the Philippines is its top-ranking market globally, with demand for beauty and personal care products having seen consistent growth in recent years.
“We remain optimistic about our prospects for growth in the country,” added Yap.
“Through the next century, Unilever will continue to make products that address our consumers’ concerns and needs, and positively impact lives and livelihoods.”