Unilever to expand Missouri facility in US

Anglo-Dutch consumer goods company Unilever is set to invest around $99m to expand its production facility in Independence, Missouri, US.

The expansion is expected to create around 70 new full-time jobs.

Governor Jay Nixon said, "Last fall, I was pleased to meet with Unilever North America president, Kees Kruythoff, and other company officials about how Missouri’s skilled workforce, favourable business climate and outstanding quality of life make the Show-Me State a great place for global businesses like theirs to grow and invest."

He added that the announcement that Unilever will be making new investments and creating additional jobs in Missouri is a big win for Independence and great news for the region’s growing economy.

Currently, the Independence facility processes wet foods, including Wish-Bone salad dressings, which was divested by Unilever in 2013.

It also processes Hellmann’s salad dressings for the firm’s food service business, Unilever Food Solutions.

The facility is also adding a variety of dry mix products, including sides, soups, sauces and gravies, under the Knorr and Lipton brand names.

The Independence site is expected to become a dedicated dry mix facility over the next two years.

Unilever can receive a strategic economic incentive package from the Department of Economic Development if it meets strict job creation and investment targets.

Unilever, which operates in around 190 countries, employs 174,000 people worldwide and 14 of its leading brands generate turnover of €1bn or more.

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Image: Unilever’s Independence facility will add dry mix products to its capabilities, such as sides, soups, sauces and gravies under the Knorr and Lipton brand names. Photo courtesy of Unilever.