Unilever investment expands its Vaseline production capacity in Africa

FMCG giant Unilever has invested an additional US$6-million (R100-million) in a new Vaseline Petroleum Jelly production line in Durban, South Africa.  

The Maydon Wharf plant supplies approximately 60% of Unilever’s global Vaseline volume and will address growing demand across Africa and international markets. 

Vaseline Petroleum Jelly is a purified mixture of mineral oils and natural waxes which sits on top of the skin to form a physical barrier that locks in existing moisture and seals out external elements. It was originally patented by chemist Robert Chesebrough in the 19th century. 

“This additional … investment strengthens our ability to manufacture trusted brands locally, supports jobs and skills development, and reinforces South Africa’s role as a strategic manufacturing hub serving both regional and global markets,” says Stefan Cloete, CEO of Unilever Southern Africa.

“This investment is a vote of confidence in South Africa’s manufacturing future and in the talented people who make Maydon Wharf such an important part of Unilever’s growth story.” 

Maydon Wharf a part of company history 

Established in 1912, the Maydon Wharf plant was at the time Unilever’s second manufacturing facility established globally. 

Today, Maydon Wharf produces approximately 140,000 tons of products annually across more than 20 production lines. It manufactures some of Unilever’s most iconic brands – including Lux, Lifebuoy and Sunlight – and exports widely. 

Comments Cloete in a LinkedIn post: “What stood out most [at the official ceremony] today was the power of partnership. Manufacturing growth depends on people, infrastructure, ports, logistics, suppliers, municipalities, regulators and shared confidence in the future of industry.”