Arena Magazine 2006 Issue 2 March April

This is the modern world

If you want to see a unique blend of history and modernity in the workplace then the Unilever site at Port Sunlight on the Wirral is the perfect place.

Its grand entrance through the doors of Lever House opens up into an impressive vestibule combining 19th century architectural splendour with automatic sliding doors and a computer controlled sign-in facility.

With a pedigree stretching back more than 115 years, the famous manufacturing plant is looking ahead to maintain its position as a world leader across a range of household products.

The site combines state-of-the-art technology, modern working practices, and forward looking employee relations to provide well-paid jobs in a clean, safe working environment.

Unilever UK Home and Personal Care at Port Sunlight is also home to around 500 Usdaw members employed in the process, production, security and catering sections. Looking after the members is a team of reps who have been part and parcel of the company's history for decades.

Steve Thomas, with 32 years' service, is the Branch Secretary and has been instrumental in maintaining membership, bringing new reps through and negotiating terms and conditions on site. "No one willingly leaves Port Sunlight," he said.

"It has a good reputation and despite the many changes - something all successful companies go through - it has maintained that standing with the workforce.

"Most of the staff are long servers, so turnover is low. Consequently recruitment isn't a problem for us at this site but when we do get new staff they invariably join the union."

Steve, who is about to retire, has just handed the reins over to Jimmy Brown who can also boast 32 years' service. "There has been huge investment at the plant over many years," said Jimmy. "New technology has played a massive part in gradually making it a capital intensive site. It wasn't that long ago we had more than 4,000 staff now that's around the 1,100 mark."

Today the Port Sunlight manufacturing site stretches across 160 acres and incorporates not only enormous manufacturing and production plants but also European and global IT sections, finance and other business departments. The research and development facility is situated next to the site and employs a further 800 personnel.

The workforce has access to an on-site gym, an occupational health centre, free drinks machines, and there are canteens available across the site.

The three main factories operate an annualised hours system which incorporates a number of shift patterns. While the production process is not quite 24/7 there is something going on at Port Sunlight 24-hours a day. Not surprising when the plant supplies a vast market across the UK and Europe.

"Obviously health and safety is key to our working practices and informs everything we do," said Lucia McCann, site director.

This is evident in every factory, corridor, and department with detailed safety instructions displayed on noticeboards, monitors and huge digital displays. Safety awards adorn many of the walls.

Malcolm Davies is vice chair of the branch and has 32 years' service at Port Sunlight. "There are safety committees in every section," he said. "The site's safety record is excellent and it's something we all believe in."

Walking around the site it is clear good housekeeping is a top priority. The processing plants, despite dealing with powders, liquids and chemicals, are remarkably clean. The working conditions are spacious and surprisingly quiet given the intensity of the work being done.

TV screens also show details of the company's social club, charity events, and the staff reward and recognition scheme. "Communications are an important part of the company ethos," said Steve Thomas. "There are awards for staff across a range of categories. We have had a learning centre here for many years, and the site also has the Investors in People marque."

It is a far cry from the days when barges and trains would transport raw materials into and out of the site in the very early days.

"I'm just about to make use of the final salary pension scheme - another good reason to work here," added Steve.

Good luck in your retirement Steve - you deserve it.

William Lever founded the Port Sunlight site in 1888 and built up a world famous soap factory. He also provided adjoining housing for the workforce. The 19th century entrepreneur would struggle to recognise the site now but his principles of looking after the staff still form an essential part of the company's ethos. Arena called in to see how it looks in the 21st century.

Mixing scientists, soap powder, and much more at Unilever

At Port Sunlight:

• You'll find more than 700 scientists and engineers working to create innovative products for consumers around the world.
• It is part of a network of global research centres stretching from Sao Paulo to Shanghai.
• Leading soap powder brands Persil and Surf, Domestos, Cif, Comfort and Persil washing-up liquid are manufactured.

Beyond Port Sunlight:

• Unilever owns some of the most famous brands in the world including: Knorr, Flora, Ben and Jerry's, Bertolli, Birds Eye, Dove, and Lynx.
• It has 400 brands globally, including 40 in the UK covering home and personal care.
• It has annual UK sales of around £2.5 billion.
• Employs 234,000 in 100 countries.

Visit: www.unilever.co.uk

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