Unilever Sets Up Rs 4bn Manufacturing Plant in Sri Lanka

21st October 2009, firstlanka.com

The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka granted investment approval to Unilever Sri Lanka Limited to set up a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant at the Horana Export Processing Zone. Dhammika Perera, Chairman / Director General signed the agreement on behalf of the BOI and formally presented the BOI Certificate of Registration to Mr. Amal Cabraal, Chairman of Unilever Sri Lanka.

The Rs. 4 billion investment agreement signed with Unilever Sri Lanka Limited is to establish its main manufacturing facility at Horana Export Processing Zone. The new state-of-the-art “green” manufacturing facility, established in a 26 acre area, will cater to the local demand and may also serve as a regional sourcing hub for Unilever.

As of today, Unilever Sri Lanka has 70 years of manufacturing history in this country and produces 95% of all the products it markets in Sri Lanka. This significant investment reflects Unilever’s commitment to its markets in Sri Lanka. The investment will ensure that Unilever will continue to provide Sri Lankan consumers with their favourite brands while adding substantially to the nation’s economy.

“By building the new production facility, we will contribute towards Sri Lanka’s industrial and economic success. We will be able to remain competitive and the new production facility provides scope for expansion of the business” stated Mr. Amal Cabraal.

“The decision to choose the BOI Zone in Horana as the site for the new facility was made in keeping with the Government’s 300 Enterprise Programme designed to spread development across the country” Unilever Sri Lanka has delivered outstanding results on all fronts of the business despite many challenges and has achieved seven consecutive years of double digit growth and maintained its overall market dominance.

Today Unilever Sri Lanka is home to 26 strong brands that are leaders in all the categories that they operate in. With the local consumer being at the heart of the business the company has products ideally suited to the Sri Lankan consumer. The company manufactures fast moving consumer goods such as home care personal care and foods at the local manufacturing facilities, reporting to the regional business groups for innovation and business results. Unilever Sri Lanka provides employment to 1100 people directly and many thousands more indirectly through its dedicated suppliers, distributors and service providers. Amal Cabraal, Chairman and Shrihan Perera, National Finance Director signed the agreement on behalf of Unilever Sri Lanka Limited.