Unilever opens P1-B distribution hub

Unilever Philippines Inc., together with the Li & Fung Distribution Group, inaugurated yesterday its new P1-billion distribution center known as the IDS Logistics Central Distribution Center (CDC) in Quezon City.

The new CDC will address the warehousing and physical distribution requirements of Unilever’s home and personal care business as well as foods business.

Unilever Philippines is engaged in the manufacturing and marketing of such brands as Surf, Domex, Sunsilk, Creamsilk, Rexona, Vaseline and Ponds.

Its foods business, which is actually handled by California Manufacturing Co., includes such brands as Knorr, Bestfoods, Lady’s Choice and Lipton.

According to Jess Dinglasan, president of the IDS Logistics CDC, the CDC is a manifestation of Li & Fung’s belief in the Philippines.

The CDC facility, Dinglasan said, "represents a very substantial investment by Li & Fung in the Philippines, a concrete evidence of the company’s confidence in the long-term potential of the country."

Howard Belton, national chairman of Unilever in the Philippines, said that the CDC is a vital component in the supply chain that enables Unilever to deliver orders completely and on time. Belton added that "to make our products affordable, we have to be efficient, flexible and creative."