Unilever is looking at creating a multi-function hub at Port Sunlight for products such as shampoo and shower gel, which would involve an investment of £40m.
The move would mean the closure of the former Alberto Culver distribution site at Bridgend along with a factory at Swansea by the end of 2013.
Unilever’s strategy involved driving growth though big acquisitions in key product areas, such as Alberto Culver, last year, then making the most of its global scale through the creation of fewer bigger hubs for manufacturing and business services.
Port Sunlight, between Ellesmere Port and Birkenhead on the Wirral, is the historic home of Unilever in the UK, and these proposals would result in the creation of 150 new jobs there.
However, it could result in a net reduction of around 500 Unilever roles in the UK. There would also be potentially the loss of around 300 associated contractor and third party roles.
Amanda Sourry, chairman – Unilever UK and Ireland, said: “Like many companies today, Unilever faces the challenge of creating growth opportunities against a backdrop of very tough economic conditions in Europe. While Unilever is growing well in the UK and globally, it will always be necessary to make changes which raise our game and ensure our continued success.”
It expects to complete a review of the proposals in the autumn.