Turner & Townsend, a global construction and programme management consultancy, said it has been appointed to provide full project and cost management services for the construction of Unilever’s new manufacturing factory in the UAE.

The $272-million investment will enable the consumer brands giant to expand its innovative personal care products business across Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region and create as many as 400 jobs.

Unilever, a leader in building world-class factories with minimal environmental impact, is designing the new facility in line with its Sustainable Living Plan. For example, it will send zero waste to landfill. This is similar to Unilever’s Lipton Jebel Ali Factory, in Dubai's Jebel Ali Freezone.

Turner & Townsend, which is providing key members of staff on the ground for the new factory, is also in charge of planning and contract administration services, supporting the procurement strategy, ensuring effective value engineering, and risk management processes.

The global consultancy was selected based on its strength of its local team and a successful global partnership with Unilever in previous projects throughout Europe and Asia, said a top official.

Mike Collings, the managing director (Middle East) for Turner & Townsend, said: "As the UAE continues to diversify into non-oil sectors, this project represents a significant investment in the region’s manufacturing industries - a venture we are proud to be a part of."

Ahmed Kadous, the supply chain director at Unilever Gulf, pointed out that its decision to continue investing in Dubai was the result of the steady rise in demand for quality personal care products in the region.

"In addition, the new facility will assist us in achieving our long-term vision; doubling the size of our business while halving our environmental footprint," he added.-TradeArabia News Service