Unilever, one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies, announced today that it will expand its facility in Jefferson City, investing more than $80 million to add operations capabilities for the production of Liquid I.V., a brand within its Health & Wellbeing business. The company previously announced a separate $25 million investment in its Jefferson City facility in January.
“We’re thrilled to see a world-class manufacturer like Unilever continuing to invest right here in Jefferson City,” said Governor Mike Parson. “This company has maintained operations in our capital city for decades as a leading local employer and prominent community partner. We look forward to Unilever’s success as it continues to benefit from our state’s many economic advantages.”
As part of this expansion, Unilever will add automated operations to make products for Liquid I.V., a science-backed functional hydration brand that has become the number one powdered hydration brand in America. The product line features great-tasting, non-GMO electrolyte drink mixes to enhance rapid absorption of water and other key ingredients into the body.
Liquid I.V. was acquired by Unilever in October 2020, joining the fast-growing Health & Wellbeing global business. Liquid I.V. is now four times larger than it was in the period near acquisition and has helped Unilever’s Health & Wellbeing business deliver consistent growth.
“Unilever has been part of the Jefferson City community for decades, making products for brands like Dove, Vaseline, Axe, SheaMoisture, Nexxus and TRESemmé,” said Michael Whelan, Head of Unilever’s Jefferson City factory. “We’re so happy to be adding the Liquid I.V. brand to that list as we continue investing in the Jefferson City facility.”
The Jefferson City location, which has been in operation since 1966 and employs more than 450 workers, is the first Unilever facility to manufacture products for the Health & Wellbeing portfolio. The automated operations to produce Liquid I.V. include automated packaging lines, a blending room operation, and modifications to required infrastructure, such as heating and cooling.
“Unilever’s continued growth in Jefferson City is a testament to our state’s economic strengths and the collaborative efforts of our partners,” said Michelle Hataway, Acting Director of the Department of Economic Development. “This expansion is an exciting example of a quality employer helping Missourians prosper through ongoing investment and innovation.”
For this expansion, Unilever will benefit from the Missouri Works program, a tool that helps companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation. The company is also receiving assistance from Missouri One Start, a division of the Department of Economic Development. Missouri One Start assists eligible businesses with their recruitment and training needs.
“Securing supply chain resiliency for Liquid I.V. is a key factor in continuing to drive growth for the brand,” said Jostein Solheim, Unilever Health & Wellbeing CEO. “We are pleased to make this investment into Jefferson City where Unilever has had a longstanding history.”
Unilever is one of the world’s leading suppliers of Beauty & Wellbeing, Personal Care, Home Care, Nutrition and Ice Cream products, with sales in over 190 countries and products used by 3.4 billion people every day. It had 127,000 employees and generated sales of €59.6 billion in 2023.
Its leading brands in North America include Dove, Hellmann’s, Vaseline, Degree, Axe, TRESemmé, Knorr, Magnum, Ben & Jerry’s, Nutrafol, Liquid I.V., Paula’s Choice, and Dermalogica.
For more information on Unilever U.S. and its brands, visit the Unilever U.S. website.
