March 6, 2024
(press release)
–
Unilever
is investing
$80 million
in its Jefferson City factory to expand operations for Liquid I.V., a science-backed hydration brand. The company's continued growth in Jefferson City showcases economic strengths. Liquid I.V. has become the top powdered hydration brand in America.
Key Highlights:
*
Unilever
previously invested
$25 million
in the Jefferson City facility in January
* Liquid I.V. is a science-backed functional hydration brand acquired by
Unilever
in
October 2020
*
Unilever's
Jefferson City factory has been in operation since 1966 and employs over 450 workers
Original Press Release:
March 5
-- Unilever issued the following news release:
- Investment will add operations capabilities to make Liquid I.V. products.
Unilever
, one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies, announced today that it will expand its facility in Jefferson City, investing more than
$80 million
to add operations capabilities for the production of Liquid I.V., a brand within its Health & Wellbeing business. The company previously announced a separate
$25 million
investment in its Jefferson City facility in January.
“We’re thrilled to see a world-class manufacturer like
Unilever
continuing to invest right here in Jefferson City,” said Governor
Mike Parson
. “This company has maintained operations in our capital city for decades as a leading local employer and prominent community partner. We look forward to Unilever’s success as it continues to benefit from our state’s many economic advantages.”
As part of this expansion,
Unilever
will add automated operations to make products for Liquid I.V., a science-backed functional hydration brand that has become the number one powdered hydration brand in America. The product line features great-tasting, non-GMO electrolyte drink mixes to enhance rapid absorption of water and other key ingredients into the body.
Liquid I.V. was acquired by
Unilever
in
October 2020
, joining the fast-growing Health & Wellbeing global business. Liquid I.V. is now four times larger than it was in the period near acquisition and has helped Unilever’s Health & Wellbeing business deliver consistent growth.
“Unilever has been part of the Jefferson City community for decades, making products for brands like Dove, Vaseline, Axe, SheaMoisture, Nexxus and TRESemmé,” said
Michael Whelan
, Head of Unilever’s Jefferson City factory. “We’re so happy to be adding the Liquid I.V. brand to that list as we continue investing in the Jefferson City facility.”
Unilever’s History with Jefferson City
The Jefferson City location, which has been in operation since 1966 and employs more than 450 workers, is the first
Unilever
facility to manufacture products for the Health & Wellbeing portfolio. The automated operations to produce Liquid I.V. include automated packaging lines, a blending room operation, and modifications to required infrastructure, such as heating and cooling.
“Unilever’s continued growth in Jefferson City is a testament to our state’s economic strengths and the collaborative efforts of our partners,” said
Michelle Hataway
, Acting Director of the
Department of Economic Development
. “This expansion is an exciting example of a quality employer helping Missourians prosper through ongoing investment and innovation.”
For this expansion,
Unilever
will benefit from the Missouri Works program, a tool that helps companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation. The company is also receiving assistance from Missouri One Start, a division of the
Department of Economic Development
. Missouri One Start assists eligible businesses with their recruitment and training needs.
What others are saying
“Securing supply chain resiliency for Liquid I.V. is a key factor in continuing to drive growth for the brand,” said
Jostein Solheim
,
Unilever Health & Wellbeing CEO
. “We are pleased to make this investment into Jefferson City where
Unilever
has had a longstanding history.”
“Unilever is a leading Jefferson City area employer as well as a great community partner and we are humbled they have selected our region for this significant investment,” said Jefferson City Mayor
Ron Fitzwater
. “Just two months ago the company announced they are investing over
$25 million
to enhance its current warehouse operations and now an additional
$80 million
on a new product to be produced in our community which aligns with my vision for Jefferson City - we are open for business.”
“JCREP has been working closely with the
Unilever
team and many other partners for the last several months to help this project become a reality,” said
Luke Holtschneider
, President/CEO of the
Jefferson City Regional Economic Partnership
. “Unilever has a long and rich history in our community, and today’s announcement reinforces their commitment to the future growth right here in Mid-Missouri.”
[Category: Consumer Durables & Apparel, Specialty Retail, Business Expansion,
Capital Investment
]
Source:
Unilever
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