Unilever, one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies, today
announced that it will be closing its manufacturing plant in Hagerstown,
MD.
“Continually achieving greater efficiencies across our Supply Chain
network is essential to our business,” said Steve Rosemary, director of
manufacturing, Unilever Ice Cream. “An extensive and careful analysis
has shown that greater efficiencies can be achieved by shifting
production to other company plants in the US. This decision was not
easily made, and in no way reflects the dedication or performance of our
colleagues at the Hagerstown facility.”
Production from Hagerstown – which manufactures Klondike, Popsicle, and
Good Humor novelty ice cream, as well as Ben & Jerry’s cones and Breyers
Fruit Bars – will be transferred to other sites within the Unilever
network in several phases. Plant production is expected to finish by the
end of 2011, with the final plant closing expected to occur during that
same time period.
The decision to close the plant will affect 460 salaried and hourly
employees.
About Unilever
Unilever’s mission is to add vitality to life. We meet everyday needs
for nutrition, hygiene and personal care with brands that help people
feel good, look good and get more out of life. Each day, around the
world, consumers make 160 million decisions to purchase Unilever
products.
In the United States, the portfolio includes major brand icons such as:
Axe, Ben & Jerry's, Bertolli, Breyers, Caress, Country Crock, Degree,
Dove personal care products, Hellmann's, Klondike, Knorr, Lipton,
Popsicle, Promise, Q-Tips, Skippy, Slim-Fast, Suave, Sunsilk and
Vaseline. All of the preceding brand names are registered trademarks of
the Unilever Group of Companies. Dedicated to serving consumers and the
communities where we live, work and play, Unilever employs nearly 12,000
people in both the United States and Puerto Rico – generating nearly $10
billion in sales in 2008. For more information, visit www.unileverusa.com.
Unilever Media Relations
Dean Mastrojohn, 201-894-7760
MediaRelations.USA@unilever.com
