Unilever has completed a major strategic investment in its Bydgoszcz facility—one of the company’s most advanced and versatile plants worldwide. The project, valued at over PLN 150 million, involved the construction of a fully automated high-bay warehouse and the launch of two new production lines for stick deodorants. A ceremonial opening was held today (May 21) with the participation of local authorities and senior Unilever executives.
A Key Milestone for European and Global Production
During the official ceremony, which included the Mayor of Bydgoszcz and top Unilever leadership, the company emphasized the strategic role of the Polish factory in serving both European and global markets. The decision to invest was made in 2021.
Expanding Local Manufacturing
The Bydgoszcz plant specializes in manufacturing cosmetics and personal care products. Items produced at the site are distributed to homes across Europe and beyond, with over 90% of output destined for export. The newly launched stick deodorant lines primarily serve key markets such as the UK, Italy, and Germany.
“The launch of the stick deodorant lines is a strategically significant investment—not just for the local market but for the entire region,” said Dorota Maskiewicz, Factory Director at Unilever Bydgoszcz. “It enables the production of stick deodorants within Europe. Today, these lines account for nearly 20% of the plant’s total output. The project was logistically complex, involving over 300 orders, 50 different suppliers, and contributions from 700 external workers. Some components traveled over 11,000 nautical miles by sea, while others were airfreighted. The project’s success is due to the passion, professionalism, and commitment of our team, to whom we owe our gratitude.”
Engineering Excellence: Facts and Figures
The scale of the investment is impressive. The new production lines required the installation of 5 kilometers of piping, 30 kilometers of cables, 150 tons of steel, and 600 cubic meters of concrete. These elements form the backbone of a modern, high-efficiency production system.
Advanced Logistics: High-Bay Automation
To support the expanded production, Unilever also built a fully automated high-bay warehouse. The self-supporting structure offers 9,500 pallet spaces, with walls and roofing mounted directly to the racking system. Four 32-meter stacker cranes and autonomous forklifts manage the movement of raw materials and finished goods, all orchestrated by an advanced system designed to ensure maximum operational efficiency and precision.
“Thanks to this investment, warehouse operations are far more efficient. We’ve reduced loading times per shipment from three hours to just one. The number of required loading docks has dropped from 4–5 to just 2, and we’ve halved the number of forklifts needed. These improvements bring tangible savings and help us optimize resource management across the plant,” added Maskiewicz.
A Model of Manufacturing Flexibility
The Bydgoszcz facility stands out for the complexity of its operations, offering diverse packaging formats, label types, and a wide portfolio of products. This operational flexibility makes it one of the most versatile and unique Unilever factories worldwide.
Source: ManagerPlus.pl – Strategic Investment Completed in Unilever’s Bydgoszcz Plant
