Unilever looks to invest £200 million in North West
Unilever is looking to expand in the North West region, with an additional £200 million of investment to secure future jobs.
This investment will introduce a number of new facilities, including a new global IT centre, the completion of a new personal care factory for British brands such as TRESemmé and Radox; and a number of new research and development facilities that will work in partnership with academic institutions across the North West.
This additional funding and investment from one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies will make the region one of the most innovative and competitive areas in the UK. Having also created new roles at the firm’s historic Port Sunlight site, the multinational company is set to see more than a third of it’s UK workforce situated in the North West, making the region one of the company’s key global manufacturing, IT and R&D hubs.
Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne said:
“Unilever is an iconic company that exports around the world.
“Their decision to invest £200 million in their Port Sunlight site secures jobs for the future and is fantastic news for the region and a vote of confidence in the UK.
“These highly skilled jobs in this export industry are exactly the kind of opportunities we want to see created which is why in last month’s Autumn Statement I provided further incentives for R&D in the UK.
“I want Britain to be a country where companies want to invest and create jobs, which is exactly what Unilever is doing today.”
Graeme Pitkethly, Unilever UK and Ireland Executive Chairman, said:
“Unilever’s legacy in Port Sunlight goes back over 125 years – it is the historic home of our company which today operates in more than 190 countries.
“With everyday products and much loved brands produced here and found in 9 out of 10 British households, our £200 million investment into Unilever Port Sunlight is a significant moment that will provide a platform for our business in the UK and across the globe for years to come.
“We are proud to have had the opportunity to show the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer the investments made and to demonstrate Port Sunlight’s continued strategic importance as we look to the future and continue to build on the Lever legacy.”
Words: Peter Cribley