Egypt’s Minister of Industry Khaled Hashem inaugurated a new production line at Unilever Mashreq’s personal care factory in 6th of October City, as the company marks 20 years of operations at the facility.
The new line, the factory’s 13th, is expected to increase the plant’s annual production capacity by 20%, with its output allocated entirely to export markets.
Hashem said Unilever has become an important partner in Egypt’s industrial sector, noting that the company operates three factories in Egypt and exports its products to more than 30 countries.
He described the new expansion as an example of a multinational company using Egypt as a production base and a gateway to regional and international markets, citing the country’s strategic location, network of trade agreements, skilled workforce, and continued infrastructure development.
The minister said the expansion is aligned with the Ministry of Industry’s priorities of deepening local manufacturing, increasing exports, improving productivity, and strengthening the ability of Egyptian industry to integrate into global supply chains.
He added that partnerships with the private sector are essential to achieving Egypt’s industrial and economic development objectives, while the ministry is working to simplify industrial procedures and improve services provided to investors to support existing factories and attract new investments.
The Mashreq personal care plant currently allocates around 65% of its production capacity to export markets, with its products reaching more than 30 countries. Around 80% of the materials used in manufacturing are sourced locally, strengthening the link between Unilever’s export activity and the domestic supply chain.
The factory, which covers 22,000 sqm, including 13,000 sqm of built-up area, manufactures a range of Unilever products across personal care, beauty, and home care categories.
Hashem also highlighted Unilever’s sustainability initiatives, including water recycling programmes and the use of recycled plastic in packaging. He said such measures are consistent with the ministry’s efforts to support industries that improve resource efficiency and promote sustainable production.
The minister stressed the importance of competition among regional subsidiaries of multinational companies to attract global investment to their respective markets. He said the performance of local teams and their ability to demonstrate competitive returns to parent companies can influence decisions on future investment and expansion.
He added that the Egyptian government is working to support investors in developing feasibility studies based on market data and economic indicators, while removing obstacles and improving the business environment to strengthen Egypt’s position as a manufacturing and export hub.
During the visit, Hashem inspected the new production line and the shampoo production line and reviewed the technologies used to maintain quality standards and support the company’s domestic and export operations.
The company currently ranks first among exporters of personal care products from Egypt, according to the ministry.
