Introduction to Unilever
We're proud to relate to you the growth of Unilever from its pre-Independence days, who we are, what we represent and our efforts to add vitality to your life and the lives of all Malaysians.
Unilever today
The Unilever brand, found in consumer products in millions of homes across 150 countries, is a trusted name in nutrition, hygiene and personal care. Throughout its history, Unilever has been adding vitality to the lives of consumers, creating products that help people feel good, look good and get more out of life.
In Malaysia, the Unilever story began in 1947 with the opening of the first Lever Brothers soap and margarine manufacturing plant in Bangsar. Costing RM 12 million, it was reputed to be the largest factory in the country, with machines that could wrap 124 bars of soap a minute!
Manufacturing capabilities expanded as the portfolio of products grew, making Lever Brothers a significant employer of the time. With a presence in Malaysia spanning over 60 years, Lever Brothers, who adopted the global Unilever name in 1994, has played a unique role in bearing witness to the country’s economic, social and political development.
Unilever Malaysia is a private limited company that is 70% owned by Unilever PLC (UK), 23% by Pemodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) and the remaining 7% by Lembaga Tabung Haji. We have about 550 Malaysian employees and a food factory in Rawang, Selangor.
Today, many Unilever products have “household” awareness status, with the brands becoming part of daily life in homes from Kuala Lumpur to far-flung kampongs.
The challenge of developing brand awareness has been met eagerly by the company, with the evolution of marketing and promotional techniques, responding sensitively to the complex cultural nuances prevalent in Malaysian society. From 1947 to date, Unilever has become institutionalized for the role it plays in the marketing of consumer goods in Malaysia
Efforts in understanding local consumers have brought about some of the top brands in the market today such as Dove, Lux, Clear, Lifebuoy, Ponds, Breeze, Ekonomi Handalan, Sunsilk, Fair & Lovely, Rexona, Wall’s, Lipton, Knorr, Lady’s Choice and Planta which add vitality to consumers lives.
A leader in research and development, Unilever has kept up with the pace of change by continuously striving to reconnect with consumers, focus on brand portfolio and pioneer new channels through strong roots in local markets and first-hand knowledge of culture. Unilever’s adaptability to new trends was reaffirmed in 2003 when, after 56 years at the Bangsar site, the company moved to its new high technology home in Menara TM.
As a responsible corporate citizen, Unilever actively participates in local community activities, enabling education for underprivileged children, raising environmental awareness and using the special connection with various brands to attract public attention and support for charity initiatives.
The company strives for excellence within its many roles in Malaysia today, as an employer, marketeer, development partner, innovator and “citizen”. With more than 60 years presence in this country, this multi-local multinational will continue to embrace new consumer expectations, adding vitality to life!
