Today, the Department of Economic Development (DED) and Governor Mike Kehoe joined Unilever for a ribbon cutting ceremony in celebration of the company’s launch of a new production line at its Jefferson City facility. Unilever’s investment, first announced in March 2024, included a more than $80 million investment to produce Liquid I.V., a brand within the company’s Wellbeing business.
“We’re thrilled to see Unilever, a world-class manufacturer and valued local employer, continuing to invest in Jefferson City,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “This company’s commitment to the hardworking Missourians in our capital city has been evident throughout its many years of growth and job creation. Unilever’s milestone is an exciting development for both the community and our state’s thriving manufacturing industry.”
The launch of Unilever’s new production line marks a significant milestone in the company’s brand growth and its commitment to local investment. Liquid I.V., a science-backed functional hydration company, was acquired by Unilever in October 2020 and joined its fast-growing Wellbeing portfolio. Since then, Liquid I.V. has grown more than four times larger and helped the company’s Wellbeing business deliver consistent and significant growth.
“Today is about more than a production line – it’s about supporting the growth of Liquid I.V. and celebrating the people here in Jefferson City who are making that possible,” said Mike Whelan, Head of Unilever’s Jefferson City facility. “We’re proud to bring this work in-house and even prouder to do it right here in Missouri.”
Unilever’s Jefferson City location, in operation since 1966, employs more than 450 workers and is the company’s first facility in the U.S. to manufacture products for its Wellbeing portfolio. The facility is also part of Unilever’s U.S. supply-chain network, which includes 10 factories and six distribution centers.
“Unilever’s repeated investments in Jefferson City demonstrate the company’s trust in Missouri as an ideal place to do business,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Department of Economic Development. “We’re incredibly grateful for the partnerships, both with the company and city, that secured this investment that is helping Missourians prosper.”
Unilever’s Jefferson City facility investment was supported by DED’s Missouri Works Program and Missouri One Start.
Photos from today’s event are available on DED’s social media pages (Facebook, LinkedIn, and X) and on Governor Kehoe’s Flickr.
What others are saying
“We are thrilled to welcome the production of Liquid I.V. to Jefferson City and excited to see this investment come to life in our community,” said Luke Holtschneider, President/CEO of the Jefferson City Regional Economic Partnership. “This is a great example of what’s possible when a forward-thinking company partners with a community that is ready to grow, and we congratulate Unilever on this exciting chapter.”
“The City of Jefferson is proud to celebrate this continued investment by Unilever in our City,” said Jefferson City Mayor Ron Fitzwater. “This milestone reflects the strength of our community and workforce, reiterating that we are open for business. We are grateful for the partnership with Unilever and the Department of Economic Development, and we look forward to supporting more growth that moves Jefferson City forward.”
About Unilever in the U.S.
Unilever is one of the world’s leading suppliers of Beauty & Wellbeing, Personal Care, Home Care, Foods and Ice Cream products, with sales in over 190 countries and products used by 3.4 billion people every day. The company has 128,000 employees and generated sales of €60.8 billion in 2024.
Its leading brands in the U.S. include Dove, Hellmann’s, Vaseline, Degree, Axe, TRESemmé, Knorr, Magnum, Ben & Jerry’s, Nutrafol, Liquid I.V., Paula’s Choice, and Dermalogica.
For more information on Unilever U.S. and its brands, visit unileverusa.com.
About the Missouri Department of Economic Development
The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) works to create an environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri’s businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. As one team built around the customer and driven by data, DED aspires to be the best economic development department in the Midwest. Through its various initiatives, DED is helping create opportunities for Missourians to prosper.
For the latest updates on DED’s current or future programs and initiatives, visit DED’s website.