Unilever opens 137,000-square-meter distribution hub in the Philippines

Unilever Cabuyao mega distribution center

Unilever, the British-Dutch company considered as the world's largest fast-moving consumer goods manufacturer, has opened a 137,000-square-meter mega distribution center in Cabuyao, Laguna that can generate over 10,000 jobs nationwide.

Unilever Philippines said the facility is an essential component to realize its objective of sustaining the growth in the personal care, foods, home care and refreshments categories.

The Cabuyao facility, south of Manila, serves as the distribution and transport hub for products from all its manufacturing sites. The facility is also part of the company’s response to the growing market demand which allows to accelerate delivery of goods, create economies of scale and generate local jobs across the whole supply chain.

“Unilever is embarking on a bold transformation journey to significantly grow our business, while ensuring our brands reach millions of Filipinos,” said Unilever Philippines vice president for supply chain Marika Lindstrom.

The facility has state-of-the-art technology that fully embraces the company’s commitment to the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan. The amenities and offices are designed for future-ready capabilities to ensure efficient and sustainable operations, including paperless warehouse management systems, safety-compliant storage systems, and systems intended to reduce environmental impact.

Unilever president for Southeast Asia and Australasia Pier Luigi Sigismondi attended the launch of the mega distribution center which he said is “not only a future-ready infrastructure to facilitate delivery of goods, but a story of well-loved brands with a deeper societal purpose.”

“We wish to continue to be part of reforms that build entrepreneurs, grow businesses, and uplift the quality of life of the Filipinos. Unilever Philippines remains your partner in nation-building and progress,” said Sigismondi.

With Cabuyao’s fast development into becoming one of the country’s industrial hubs, opening a green distribution center is a learning experience for the city into incorporating it in the future businesses that they engage with, the company said.

Aside from the generated jobs and income, longevity and environmental impact are now part of the considerations. The facility has inspired Cabuyao to facilitate incentives for sustainable businesses.

Cabuyao City Mayor Rommel Gecolea said that as part of supporting Unilever Philippines’ business and the opportunities it has opened up for the city, the local government is now working with the Department of Public Works and Highways to build better road infrastructure to ensure smooth passage of trucks from the facility.

Moreover, the local government is also considering opening a direct access road to the Silangan exit of South Luzon Expressway.

“We are proud to call Cabuyao the home of Unilever’s mega distribution center. We are grateful for all the opportunities it has opened up for our city,”said Mayor Gecolea. “We want to ensure that this new relationship can benefit not just the people of Cabuyao but the entire business of Unilever for the long haul.”

Quirino Representative Dakila “Dax” Cua, who also serves as the chairperson of the House Committee on Ways and Means, was impressed by the green structure built by Unilever.

“With the development of this engineering marvel, it sets a benchmark on building sustainable, industrial, and efficient structures. This inspired me as a lawmaker to use this insight and think of ways to incentivize these types of projects to attract more similar investments in our country,” said Cua.” This will help cities like Cabuyao to get more projects, generate more jobs, and grow their cities faster.”

“At Unilever, we are optimistic about the prospects for growth and we are also constantly on the lookout for emerging opportunities to better serve the market. We are fueled and inspired by this to continue with our commitment to serve the Filipino people,” said Unilever Philippines chairman and CEO Benjie Yap.

“We are able to do all of this because Unilever believes in our purpose of being stewards of sustainable, responsible growth—taking care of the environment, our customers, partners, and stakeholders, and communities where we operate,” Yap said.

11 May 2018

 

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