CEBU CITY — Unilever Philippines has inaugurated its first manufacturing facility outside Luzon, establishing a 1,600-square-meter home care production plant in Mandaue City to serve the Visayas and Mindanao markets.
The new facility strengthens the company’s nationwide footprint and builds a more localized, sustainable supply chain. By bringing production closer to consumers, Unilever expects to improve operational efficiency, shorten delivery times, reduce transport costs, and cut logistics-related emissions — aligning with its long-term net-zero goals.
Localized Supply Chain and Sustainability
Van Nguyen-thi-bich, General Manager for Home Care at Unilever Greater Asia, emphasized the importance of partnering with local stakeholders to create a more agile and resilient supply network.
“By working closely with communities, we can serve Filipino households faster while supporting local livelihoods and regional economies,” Nguyen said.
The Cebu facility integrates systems designed to lower its carbon footprint and ease port congestion by reducing sea shipments from Luzon to the Visayas and Mindanao.
Digital Manufacturing System
The plant utilizes the refreshed Unilever Manufacturing System, a digital framework applied across regional factories. This system integrates analytics and artificial intelligence to support a leaner, more efficient supply chain.
Strategic Location and Market Growth
Mandaue City was chosen for its strategic position as a commercial and industrial hub in Cebu, improving product access outside Luzon while creating livelihood opportunities in the region.
Navdeep Singh, Head of Supply Chain for the Philippines and Vice President for Customer Operations at Unilever Greater Asia, said the facility expands a distributed production network nationwide, enabling faster logistics and improved access to products while lowering the overall carbon footprint.
Products and Market Demand
The plant is already operational, producing home care items such as FabClean liquid detergents and Surf fabric conditioners to meet growing demand in the Visayas and Mindanao.
The Philippines remains one of the fastest-growing fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) markets in ASEAN, with sustained demand across beauty and wellbeing, personal care, foods, and home care segments.
This expansion marks a milestone for Unilever Philippines, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and inclusive growth while ensuring Filipino households across the country have better access to trusted home care products. ##
NEWS SOURCE & PHOTO FROM: INSIDER.PH