Anglo–Dutch multinational consumer goods company Unilever plans to make an investment of $152.5m at its New Century spreads manufacturing facility in Johnson County, Kansas, a move which will create 100 new jobs.
The investment will be used to expand the facility as well as purchase new machinery and equipment.
The New Century facility currently produces North America spreads brands such as Country Crock, I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!, Promise, Imperial and Brummel & Brown. It employs a 'total system approach', which optimizes the positive economic, environmental and social benefits of the facility's location for sustainable production.
Unilever North America president Kees Kruythoff said that the investment and expansion of the New Century spreads facility is a significant milestone in the history of Unilever US and is in line with the company's strategy of investing back for growth in America.
"By creating a world-class manufacturing facility we are further investing in our core food brands, and we're excited about the growth this will enable," Kruythoff added.
Southwest Johnson County Economic Development Corporation president Tom Riederer said that Unilever's expanded presence will be a significant addition to the growing business community of southwest Johnson County.
"I would like to congratulate Unilever and look forward to the tremendous impact their investment will have on the area," Riederer said.
