TIANJIN, China, March 14, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Unilever Tianjin Industrial Park Project launches officially on March 12 in Tianjin Airport Economic Area. The Park will introduce many advanced technologies of Unilever in global scope and become the second world-class environment-friendly industrial park of Unilever in China. It will not only promote the production capacity of Unilever China, but also accomplish Unilever’s development strategy in North Asia. The participants of this ground-breaking ceremony include officials from Tianjin Municipal Government and Unilever representatives led by Mr. Alan Jope, President of Unilever North Asia. Trees have been planted by those distinguished guests on site for promoting the sustainable idea of environmental protection.
It is the highly effective utilization of resources of Tianjin Economic Development Area that makes the goal possible. Meanwhile, Unilever Tianjin Industrial Park will be equipped with advanced technologies and facilities, strictly adhered to Zero Release standard, to present a world-class green production base.
Unilever Tianjin Industrial Park plans to cover a total of 53 hectares, the first phase of this project will cover nearly 27 hectares. Plants and warehouses of daily healthcare products such as laundry liquid and softener will be built up. The first phase will be initiated in Dec. 2011 and completed by the end of 2012. At that time, the annual production volume is expected to reach 100,000 tons, which can not only fulfill the demand of domestic market but also attend to that of international market.
Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area (TEDA) is one of the three special economic development zones of China. Unilever Tianjin Industrial Park is expected to contribute a lot to Unilever’s market development in North China. The location advantage of Tianjin is conducive to exportation of Unilever’s products to Northeast Asian market and the superior harbor of Tianjin makes possible the further exportation to European market. Unilever Hefei Industrial Park is a successful example of industrial gradient transfer, which has become a model for multinational enterprise in China. After years’ successful operation, Unilever Hefei Industrial Park has made glorious achievements: it has obtained sales volume of over 12 billion RMB, paid taxes of over 1.2 billion RMB and created employment opportunities of over 4,000. It is obvious that upon its location advantage, cost advantage and advanced environmental-protection technologies Unilever Tianjin Industrial Park would be another successful case.
Since its entry into China in 1986, Unilever always places Chinese market as one of its most strategically prioritized markets in the world. As one of the largest FMCG markets in the world, China also possesses superior human resources and technology resources. With an average annual growth ratio of over 18% over the past five years, Unilever China has become one of the most fast-growing markets of Unilever all over the world. Unilever Greater China headquarter has been upgraded to Unilever North Asia headquarter since Sept. 1, 2011. It will take charge of the business in China Mainland, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea and Japan. Unilever North Asia headquarter office is located in Shanghai, China.
Alan Jope said, "The strong support from Chinese consumers and government is indispensable for Unilever’s development in China, we will focus more awareness on Chinese market demand. Unilever plans to largely increase our market share and multiply five times of our business in China in ten years. Meanwhile, the birth of Unilever Tianjin Industrial Park indicates Unilever’s strong confidence in China market; we believe that it will add wings to the development of Unilever China and its whole North Asia market."
Unilever puts Sustainable Development Plan as the key point of global development, promising to reduce the negative impacts of its products to a half below, to help promote health conditions of over 1 billion people, and to source 100% of its agricultural raw materials sustainably. With the principle of Small Actions Big Difference and three platforms A better future for the planet, A better future for children and A better future for farmers, Unilever China has launched effective action plan with innovative organizational structure to drive and execute sustainability activities, examples from biomass burner first installation in factory, creative hair bundle pack promotion to deliver both cost saving and sustainability, etc. All of these initiatives make Unilever among the best practitioners of low-carbon innovative action and create a repeatable model.
Unilever’s World-class eco-industrial-park in Tianjin will further fulfill its long-term commitment to sustainable development in China.
Unilever's history in China can be traced back to 1923. In 1986 Unilever re-established itself in Shanghai. As one of the market leaders in FMCG industry, Unilever has its main brands in China including OMO, ZHONGHUA, LUX, POND'S, CLEAR, DOVE, HAZELINE, LYNX, REXONA, LIPTON, KNORR, and WALL'S. Unilever North Asia headquarter, located in Shanghai, is in charge of the business in China Mainland, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea and Japan. Its sixth Global Research Center is also located in Shanghai. Till now, the breadth of Unilever’s involvement in China adds up to over US$1 billion in investment, the introduction of more than 100 advanced technologies, creation of over 20,000 job opportunities, direct hiring more than 6,000 local employees.
