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Unilever to build a US$90 million factory in South Africa

Unilevers new factory in South Africa has been scheduled to start production by 2014. (Image source: steve p2008/Flickr)

Unilever has revealed plans to build a US$90mn factory at Boksburg in South Africa

The new factory has been scheduled to start production by 2014, incorporating Unilever’s latest manufacturing technologies. It will produce products from some of the company’s popular brand ranges including, Omo, Skip, Handy Andy, Domestos bleach, Comfort and Sunlight.

Up until now, the products were partially made in South Africa and partially imported, but once the new factory became operational, the products will be fully produced locally.

In addition to the new plant, Unilever's South African arm will invest more than US$23mn in upgrading and expanding existing plants.

The company has noted that this investment formed a part of the group’s sustainable living plan, which aimed to double the size of its business while reducing its environmental impact.

Unilever SA chairman Marijn van Tiggelen said, “This factory forms part of a multi-year, multi-billion investment plan by Unilever SA to cater for its growth. The factory will enable it to better serve South African consumers with innovation and green technology, as well as improve service levels to our retail customers.”

Unilever chief supply chain officer Pier Luigi Sigismondi added, “We have a long history in South Africa and we have a strong commitment to its future. Not only will the new factory enable us to grow our presence in the region, but it will also highlight our determination to sustainability as it will use the latest technology and insights to create a low energy, environmentally efficient factory with zero waste to landfill.”

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