Unilever has confirmed that it is going ahead with a £40m plan for new manufacturing and IT hub at Port Sunlight which also involves a major change in its logistics operation.
The development at Port Sunlight means that Alberto Culver manufacturing site in Swansea and the former Sara Lee personal care factory in Slough will close by the end of 2013.
The distribution centre in Bridgend, which services the Swansea factory, will close, and a third party facility in Deeside in North Wales will serve as the distribution centre for the new Port Sunlight factory.
Unilever unveiled the plan in June and since then has been reviewing the proposals. Following that is has decided to go ahead with the scheme which will result in a net reduction of 500 jobs at Unilever and the loss of about 300 jobs at contractors.
Amanda Sourry, chairman – Unilever UK and Ireland, said: “Following an extensive review, we have decided to move forward with proposals outlined in June. The investment into Port Sunlight will play a significant role in helping to maintaining and sustain our current success and competitiveness both in the UK and on a global scale.”
