UK: Unilever completes £150 million investment in Port Sunlight

Unilever, the consumer goods giant, has completed a £150 million ($201 million) investment in its historic Port Sunlight site, underlining its strategic importance to the company’s UK and European operations. The investment includes high-tech manufacturing upgrades in the site’s Home Care factory and a new advanced automated distribution centre.

Spanning 10,000 sq m, the distribution facility is powered by 2,000m of automated conveyors and eight giant 30m high stacking cranes capable of handling up to 17,000 pallets. Connecting directly to Port Sunlight’s three factories, it enables direct dispatch to retailers in the UK and a number of European markets. The manufacturing upgrades will increase laundry capsule production three-fold, supporting the launch of Persil’s new advanced four-chamber capsules.

Powered by 100% renewable energy, the centre will deliver an estimated 27% reduction in primary logistics, saving 827 tonnes of CO₂ emissions. Marc Woodward, head of Unilever UK, commented: “This is a landmark moment for Port Sunlight. The completion of investments in Home Care manufacturing and the opening of a new flagship distribution centre will support the growth of our business and reinforce Port Sunlight’s role as a strategic hub for our UK and European operations”.

Source: Unilever