Beyond the Production Line: Unilever’s R100 Million Investment Strengthens Durban’s Supply Chain

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By Chelsea Morford

Unilever South Africa’s additional R100 million investment in its Maydon Wharf manufacturing facility is more than a capacity upgrade. It is a strategic reinforcement of Durban’s industrial ecosystem − one that sustains local suppliers, skilled workers and service providers whose livelihoods are tied to the factory’s operations.

Launched on Friday, 2 October 2026, the new production line expands a site responsible for roughly 60% of Unilever’s global Vaseline Petroleum Jelly output. With a 20% increase in production capacity for African and international markets, the investment underscores how established manufacturers anchor economic activity far beyond their factory floors.

“Localisation is not only about where products are made. It’s about building local capabilities, widening economic participation, and creating stronger pathways for South African suppliers to grow. Manufacturing investment has a multiplier effect.” - Stefan Cloete, Chief Executive Officer of Southern Africa, Unilever

The supply chain behind every jar

Operating since 1912, Maydon Wharf is woven into Durban’s industrial identity. Its production relies on a broad network of businesses supplying packaging, engineering, equipment, transport and warehousing.

In discussions with Phahle Phalane, Vice President: Supply Chain; Dorasamy Cavinyen, Procurement Manager Africa; and Presheen Gungaparsad, Sourcing Unit Director, one theme stood out: the economic weight of local supplier relationships.

More than 95% of the packaging materials used at Maydon Wharf are sourced within South Africa. This demand supports domestic manufacturers, logistics providers and engineering contractors − enabling them to retain employees, invest in capabilities and remain competitive.

The ripple effect extends further. Suppliers’ suppliers also benefit, creating a layered economic network around the factory. Manufacturing’s value, therefore, lies not only in the products produced but in the commercial activity required to keep production moving.

Employment beyond the factory gates

Unilever’s employment footprint includes both its internal workforce and the people working across its supply chain. Production, quality control, maintenance, engineering and procurement expertise inside the factory are matched by jobs in packaging manufacturing, transport and specialised services outside it.

Consistent demand from a major manufacturer gives suppliers stability − allowing them to plan operations, retain skilled workers and pursue growth.

The latest investment also highlights the technical expertise required to sustain South Africa’s manufacturing capacity. Approximately 100 tons of equipment and structural steel were installed, integrating specialised machinery from Germany and Italy with local engineering teams. These collaborations strengthen the technical knowledge needed to operate and maintain complex industrial systems.

While the R100 million investment does not quantify new jobs, it reinforces the employment ecosystem that depends on reliable, long-term industrial activity.

Durban’s role in global manufacturing

The new line adds a fourth Vaseline Petroleum Jelly packing line, supported by a new process plant and expanded bulk storage. This positions Maydon Wharf to meet rising demand across Africa and international markets.

Its proximity to the Port of Durban creates a critical link between local production and global trade. Raw materials, packaging and finished goods must move efficiently − a process dependent on the performance of Durban’s logistics and industrial infrastructure.

For KwaZulu-Natal, the investment strengthens the province’s manufacturing base. For South Africa, it demonstrates how local sourcing and export-oriented production connect domestic industry to international demand.

Building a resilient industrial ecosystem

Unilever’s investment illustrates how manufacturing sustains economic resilience through interconnected relationships: local procurement drives supplier demand, supplier demand supports employment, and technical collaboration builds the capabilities needed for long-term industrial performance.

The launch was attended by Deputy Minister of Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli and eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba − a reflection of the project’s significance for the region.

The opportunity now lies in deepening these gains. Strengthening supplier capabilities, expanding technical skills and maintaining an environment conducive to investment will amplify the benefits of established manufacturing operations.

For Durban, Maydon Wharf is not just a production facility. It is a central node in an industrial network that connects local businesses, workers and expertise to global markets.

The R100 million investment is a reminder that manufacturing’s true value extends far beyond factory walls − into the suppliers it empowers, the skills it develops and the employment it sustains across the supply chain that keeps local industry moving.

Unilever offers a wide range of popular beauty, personal care, home care, and food products in South Africa:

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