Unilever Expands Production Capacity in Mexico with $400M Investment
Unilever has announced a US $400 million investment in Nuevo León, Mexico, aimed at scaling up production capabilities and strengthening its supply chain across key food and personal care categories. The Anglo-Dutch FMCG giant will channel the funds into expanding its existing plant in Salinas Victoria, boosting exports and creating over 1,200 new jobs.
This move is part of Unilever’s broader strategy to consolidate its manufacturing footprint in North America and Latin America. The facility will serve as a production hub for high-demand brands—including Hellmann’s, Knorr, Axe, Dove, and Sedal—not only for the Mexican market but also for export to the United States, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America.
“We’ve had a presence in Mexico for over 60 years, and this investment is a sign of our long-term commitment to the region,” said Reginaldo Ecclissato, Unilever’s Chief Business Operations and Supply Chain Officer. He emphasized the company’s aim to improve customer service and accelerate sustainable growth in key markets.
The expansion will increase the Salinas Victoria facility’s floor space from 128,000 to over 190,000 square meters, marking it as one of Unilever’s largest production sites in the Americas. The project, scheduled for completion in 2024, is expected to include state-of-the-art manufacturing lines incorporating sustainable technologies and practices to reduce environmental impact.
Nuevo León Governor Samuel García highlighted the region’s strategic importance for global companies, citing logistical advantages, skilled labor, and robust infrastructure. “Nuevo León continues to attract world-class investment, reinforcing our position as a manufacturing powerhouse for the FMCG sector,” he said.
Unilever currently operates four factories and a headquarters in Mexico, employing more than 6,500 people nationwide. This latest investment adds to the wave of reshoring and nearshoring trends seen across the industry, with multinational manufacturers increasingly turning to Mexico as a central production and export hub.
As supply chain resilience and localization become more critical to global FMCG operations, Unilever’s investment signals confidence in Mexico’s role within its regional and international distribution strategy.