Unilever’s P4.7 billion plant to begin commercial operations this month

MANILA, Philippines — The P4.7 billion manufacturing plant of British multinational consumer goods firm Unilever in the Philippines is set to start commercial operations this month, according to the Board of Investments.

The BOI announced yesterday that it has approved the granting of fiscal incentives to the expansion project that involves the construction of a new plant at the Gateway Business Park in General Trias, Cavite.

Once completed, that new plant with an annual capacity of 88,000 tons of personal care products, including hair care, skin care, and deodorant would employ up to 130 people.

Trade Undersecretary and BOI managing head Ceferino Rodolfo said the manufacturing expansion plan of Unilever Philippines Inc. (UPI) further amplifies the company’s vision to be one of the fast-moving consumer goods that has retained its manufacturing base here in the Philippines while upgrading its manufacturing operations to become a world-class leader in the production of personal care products.

“Unilever’s investment is in line with the Philippines’ vision to be a hub for sustainable manufacturing products powered by renewable energy,” Rodolfo said.

“We expressed to President Marcos our long-term commitment to sustainable and responsible growth in the country and we are optimistic that our new P4.7 billion investment in a future-fit personal care factory in Cavite will contribute to the Philippine manufacturing sector’s competitiveness as we employ highly advanced technologies, with the potential to qualify the facility for the World Economic Forum’s ‘Advanced Fourth Industrial Revolution Lighthous,’” Unilever Philippines chairman Benjie Yap said.