Unilever, one of the world’s leading fast moving consumer goods companies, is building a $272 million facility in Dubai to manufacture personal care products for exports to the Middle East and Africa.

The company said it is on track with its project after appointing Turner & Townsend, a leading professional services company, to provide full project and cost management services for the construction of the factory.

Turner & Townsend is also in charge of planning and contract administration services, supporting the procurement strategy, ensuring effective value engineering, and risk management processes.

The factory is designed in line with Unilever’s Sustainable Living concept in adherence to which it will send no waste to the landfill. A similar green approach was adopted for its Lipton Jebel Ali factory. 

The new factory while enabling it to expand its personal care products across the Mena region will create some 400 jobs. 

Ahmed Kadous, supply chain director at Unilever Gulf, said: “As the UAE continues to diversify into non-oil sectors, this project represents a significant investment in the region’s manufacturing industries – a venture we are proud to be a part of.”

“Our decision to continue investing in Dubai was the result of the steady rise in demand for quality personal care products in the region. In addition, the new facility will assist us in achieving our long-term vision; doubling the size of our business while halving our environmental footprint,” he added.