Unilever (China) Limited said yesterday it will invest around 200 million yuan (US$24 million) to build its China headquarters in Shanghai, and will move into the new building by mid-2006.
"China will become one of the few countries where Unilever owns the property of its office," said Zeng Xiwen, external relations director of the company. "This further shows our long-term commitment to China."
The new headquarters, located in Hongqiao Linkong Economic Zone in Changning District, will cover an area over 20,000 square meters.
The company also said it will finish the relocation of its manufacturing base for personal care products to Anhui Province from Shanghai by the end of the year. It expects both its production capacity and sales will maintain a double-digit increase annually after the move.
The world's largest consumer products maker, also unveiled its new logo in China yesterday. The new identity will appear on all Unilever products by the end of 2005 with the slogan "Where there is home there is Unilever."
It will continue developing its personal care and food lines through its 15 brands in China, despite the fact the company has decreased its brand numbers from 2,000 to 400 during the past five years worldwide.
The consumer goods giant is also planning to boost future sales of healthcare products in China and is seeking more tea plants to meet increasing demand for its Lipton tea, according to Zeng.
The company renewed its cooperative program yesterday with Shanghai Scientific Committee with an additional contribution of US$300,000 to fund the committee's basic scientific research.