Unilever South Africa on Wednesday said it would invest more than R1-billion in a new plant and on the upgrade and expansion of existing operations.
The project formed part of the fast-moving consumer goods producer’s multiyear, multibillion-rand sustainable living strategy, Unilever SA chairperson Marijn van Tiggelen said.
In excess of R800-million would be injected into the construction of a new modular home-care products plant next to Unilever’s main distribution centre, in Anderbolt, Boksburg.
The new factory, which would host new high-speed packing lines, would produce brands such as Omo, Skip, Handy Andy, Domestos, Comfort and Sunlight, besides others.
The company also planned to install innovative and 'green' technologies during the construction to improve service levels to its retail customers and create a low-energy, zero-waste and environmentally efficient plant.
“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,” he said.
The group said construction would start during the first half of this year, with first production expected during 2014.
Unilever would also dispense about R200-million to upgrade and expand its existing plants, as it worked towards its aim of doubling the business size and reducing its overall environmental footprint.
The company declined to comment on the potential expanded capacity the expansion would provide.