Expansion Management

Unilever Expands, Upgrades Lipton Tea Manufacturing in Virginia

March 12, 2013

The company will invest $96.2 million to purchase new production machinery for the largest tea processing facility in the United States.

Adrienne Selko

Unilever (IW 1000/66) will spent $96.2 million to purchase new production machinery for the largest tea processing facility in the United States. The plant, located in Suffolk, Virginia, will also see some upgrades.

"Lipton has thrived in Suffolk for nearly 60 years, enjoying a business climate, workforce and infrastructure second to none," said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. "The Suffolk plant's proximity to the Port of Virginia influenced the location decision for this investment, as the company imports loose tea through the port from various countries. We are proud that nearly all of Lipton teas are produced from the Commonwealth, and this equipment upgrade will allow the company to increase production and stay competitive."

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Suffolk and the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McDonnell approved a $1 million performance-based grant from the Virginia Investment Partnership program, an incentive available to existing Virginia companies.

"Unilever is enormously proud of the heritage of Lipton, its employees in Suffolk and the wide range of quality teas we produce at this historic factory," said Kees Kruythoff, president of Unilever North America.

The Suffolk plant was one of Unilever's first factories to achieve zero-to-landfill in the US and was a pilot site to implement LED lighting, which significantly reduces electricity consumption.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent

Follow Me on Twitter: @ASelkoIW

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today.

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.