Unilever ready to absorb Myanmar nationals working in Thailand
Unilever has offered its Myanmar workers employed at factories in Thailand a choice to return to their home country, according to a report by Eleven Media.
Harish Manwani, chief operating officer, announced earlier this month that the multinational consumer goods company is planning to launch its first factory in Myanmar next month, as part of a US$667-million (Bt20 billion) investment plan.
Eleven Media reported that the new factory in Myanmar is expected to provide 2,000 jobs in two years. It is still awaiting approval from the Food and Drug Administration Department but it is expected to start operations in August. Unilever will hire about 150 employees to start with and plans to hire another 100 by the end of this year.
The multinational company has more than 100 factories throughout the world producing toothpaste, shampoo, food and personal care products. Its famous products include Knorr chicken broth powder, Sunsilk shampoo, Clear shampoo, Lux soap, Sunlight soap and Ponds cosmetics. All are established brands in Myanmar.
The company aims to be the leader in Myanmar’s consumer goods market, which is expected to boom in the next 10 years. Although they plan to build a second factory in Myanmar, details have not been announced.
