Unilever completes £150m upgrade of UK manufacturing hub

Unilever has completed a £150 million investment at its Port Sunlight campus in Wirral, marking a major upgrade to one of its key UK manufacturing and R&D hubs.

The site, which produces brands including Persil, Comfort, Cif, TRESemmé and Lynx, has undergone enhancements across its Home Care manufacturing operations, alongside the development of a new automated distribution centre designed to improve logistics efficiency.

The investment forms part of Unilever’s wider strategy to strengthen its UK supply chain, integrating manufacturing and distribution more closely on a single site to improve operational efficiency and reduce transport requirements between facilities.

It is equipped with automated conveyor systems spanning approximately 2,000 metres and eight 30-metre-high stacking cranes, with the capacity to handle up to 17,000 pallets per week, equivalent to around 13,600 tonnes of product.

By integrating storage and production on the same campus, Unilever estimates it will significantly reduce the movement of goods between external warehouses and manufacturing sites.

According to the company, the redesigned logistics model is expected to reduce primary logistics movements by approximately 27%, removing hundreds of lorry journeys from the road each week. This is projected to deliver an estimated reduction of around 827 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.

The distribution centre is also powered by 100% renewable electricity and incorporates sustainability features including solar panels, heat pumps and solar-reflective materials.

Unilever UK leadership described the investment as reinforcing the long-term role of Port Sunlight within the company’s European operations.

Marc Woodward, Head of Unilever UK, said the completion of the project marks a “landmark moment” for the site, highlighting its role in supporting business growth and strengthening its position as a strategic hub for manufacturing and distribution.

The site has long been regarded as a cornerstone of Unilever’s UK operations, combining large-scale manufacturing with research and development activities. It currently employs around 2,000 people.

Local leaders have also highlighted the wider regional significance of the investment.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said the development reflects continued confidence in the area as a base for advanced manufacturing, innovation and employment.

“Our region has a proud industrial heritage, and Unilever has been part of that story for generations, supporting thousands of jobs and helping to put the Liverpool City Region on the map as a centre for manufacturing and innovation. This investment is a strong vote of confidence in our region as a place where global businesses can grow, innovate and create opportunity,” said Rotheram.

“Just as importantly, this new facility shows how economic growth and sustainability can go hand in hand. By cutting hundreds of lorry journeys from our roads each week, Unilever is supporting our target to reach net zero by 2035, improve air quality for local people, and support ambitions for a cleaner, greener city region.”