Unilever’s new Phl plant eyes WEF Global Lighthouse qualification

One of the world's major fast-moving consumer goods firms, Unilever PLC, is set to open its newest manufacturing plant in General Trias, Cavite, the Board of Investment said Friday.

The British firm is manifesting its confidence in the Philippines as an attractive manufacturing hub through its P4.8 billion investment in a new plant at the Gateway Business Park in General Trias, Cavite.

The investment was made through Unilever's Philippine subsidiary, Unilever Phils. Inc.

Unilever Philippines chairman Benjie Yap said, "We expressed to President Marcos our long-term commitment to sustainable and responsible growth in the country and we are optimistic that our new P4.8 billion investment in a future-fit personal care factory in Cavite will contribute to the Philippine manufacturing sector's competitiveness as we employ highly advanced technologies, with the potential to qualify the facility for the World Economic Forum's 'Advanced Fourth Industrial Revolution Lighthouse."

Since 2018, the WEC has been recognizing companies incorporating 4IR technologies — from artificial intelligence to the Internet of Things — into daily manufacturing and supply chain operations, effectively creating the most advanced factories in the world.

The idea is these so-called Lighthouses can then show the way for the rest of the world's manufacturing companies lagging behind in developing contemporary technologies.

Trade undersecretary and Board of Investments managing head Ceferino Rodolfo said UPI's manufacturing expansion plan further amplifies the company's vision as a fast-moving consumer goods enterprise that has retained its manufacturing base here in the Philippines while upgrading its manufacturing operations to become a world-class leader in the production of personal care products.

"Unilever's investment is in line with the Philippines' vision to be a hub for sustainable manufacturing products powered by renewable energy," he said.