Unilever South Africa today announced its latest investment in the construction of a new home care plant worth R800+ million. In addition to this new factory, over R200 million will be invested in upgrading and expanding existing plants. The new factory will produce popular brands like Omo, Skip, Handy Andy, Domestos, Comfort and Sunlight amongst others. The factory will be built in Anderbolt, Boksburg, adjacent to Unilever’s main distribution centre in South Africa. Construction on the new site will commence shortly and will incorporate Unilever’s latest manufacturing technologies. The first production is expected off the lines in 2014. This investment forms part of Unilever’s Sustainable living plan, which aims to double the size of its business whilst reducing its overall environmental footprint.

Mr Marijn van Tiggelen, Unilever SA Chairman commented on the project: “This factory forms part of a multi-year, multi billion investment plan by Unilever SA to cater for our growth. It will enable us to better serve South African consumers with innovation and green technology, as well as improve service levels to our retail customers. The R800 million project is one of Unilever’s largest investments globally and underscores our commitment to the long term future of South Africa and the continent as a whole.”

Pier Luigi Sigismondi, Chief Supply Chain Officer Unilever, said: “We have a long history in South Africa and we have a strong commitment to its future, its growth and economic development. This new factory is another example of Unilever’s vision in action - to double the size of our business whilst reducing the environmental impact. Not only will it enable us to grow our presence in the region, but it also highlights our determination to sustainability as it will use the latest technology and insights to create a low energy, zero waste and environmentally efficient factory.” This investment is supported by the Department of Trade and Industry’s 12-I Tax Allowance Incentive scheme and follows on the opening of the Unilever Savoury dry foods factory in KwaZulu-Natal by Minister Rob Davies during December 2011.