The total investment in the project will be $29.9m and will include an expansion of the actual production facilities to meet increased manufacturing targets, which will be complimented by an increase in the workforce.
Currently the facility employs more than 320 people, and it is expected that a further 21 jobs will be created during the course of the expansion program, which is planned to take place of a three year period.
The facility manufactures a variety of products, including body and hair care, as well as deodorants and is already one of Unilever’s biggest production facilities in North America.
Largest deodorant manufacturing facility in the world
It also has the distinction of being the largest manufacturing facility for anti-perspirant and deodorants in the world, supplying both the national and international market place.
The portfolio of products produced at the facility include Caress soap brand, together with the Axe and Degree deodorant brand, the TRESemmé hair care brand and the Dove brand, which stretches to hair care, skin care and deodorants.
The project has been realized with financial aid from government and local authorities that has included a $63,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund, which is designed to help drive job creation in the area by supporting businesses in the region.
The fund does not provide the grant up front, stipulating that business first meet job creation and investment performance standards before the funds are released, while also falling in line with requirements for local business requirements.
Unilever expanding manfuacturing in the Americas
Unilever has been expanded its business in the Americas on the back of strong growth financial results over the past few years.
Last year the company announced the expansion of its production facilities in the region with the opening of a deodorant manufacturing facility in Mexico with an investment of approximately $130m.
The aim is that the new factory will speed up the growth agenda in North and Central America by doubling national production of deodorants and supplying markets in Mexico, the US, Canada, Central America, the Caribbean and Colombia.